Sandusky promotes Poggiali to AD, Brown new football coach

SANDUSKY — Sandusky filled two high-profile positions in its athletic department from the same coaching staff. Lucas Poggiali, who has coached the Blue Streaks football team the past two years, has been promoted to athletic director, Sandusky City Schools announced Thursday. The school also announced that Jamaris Brown, who has been Sandusky's associate head football coach and defensive coordinator the past two seasons, has been promoted to head football coach. Poggiali, who had a 9-12 record in two years leading the football program, said becoming an athletic director always has been a career goal. "I went back to school to get my master's in Sports Administration (at the University of Cincinnati) for an opportunity like this," Poggiali said. "It's something I've always wanted to do. The stars aligned and I'm fortunate to be someone the district believes in." Even so, stepping away from the football program was not easy. The Blue Streaks went 6-5 last year and qualified for the Division III playoffs. Sandusky returns many key players this fall. "It was the hardest decision I've had to make in my life," Poggiali said. "The majority of my identity has been as a coach, working hard to serve our kids in the program. Now it's an opportunity to serve the district in a bigger role and help every single student in our district." In addition to athletics, Poggiali is Sandusky's activities director. Poggiali, who turned 30 in January, went through three interviews beginning in mid-May and accepted his new job on Wednesday. Poggiali and Brown will formally be approved by the school board at its meeting next Tuesday. Poggiali is the school's global internship coordinator. His teaching contract expires on June 7, at which time he will sign a contract that bridges his employment until his administrative contract takes effect on August 1. "I'm excited to get my hands dirty," he said. He thanked his wife, Tatum, and young daughter Harper. "Without my wife as the rock of our family this would not be possible," Poggiali said. "It has always been my mission to serve the district and everyone in it. I love this district and this community, and I am so thankful for this incredible opportunity." Poggiali is a 2012 Sandusky graduate and was a star quarterback at the school. Prior to moving back to Sandusky he was an assistant coach at Marietta College for five years. Sandusky superintendent Dan Rambler believes Poggiali will be an "incredible" AD. "His passion for Sandusky City Schools is undeniable," Rambler said in a news release. "He is a leader who will represent Sandusky with pride and positivity while injecting a fresh wave of energy and determination into the role." Poggiali will replace Shawn Coakley, who is retiring after 12 years as Sandusky's athletic director. Poggiali is excited to watch how Brown impacts the Blue Streaks football program. Brown, a Florida native who played football at Walsh University, was a finalist for the head coaching job when Poggiali was hired in 2022. Brown teaches physical education at the junior high level. "Jamaris exemplifies what a Blue Streak coach should be," Poggiali said. "He's so committed to the district. His love for the kids in our program shines. That's why I know he's going to be successful." Brown will lead the Blue Streaks' summer program and will inherit a stable coaching staff. "I've always wanted to stretch my wings and see how far I could go with coaching," Brown said. "I love coaching — period. This is one of the top programs in the state of Ohio and I don't take this lightly." Brown said he met with Sandusky administrators last week, including Rambler, who wanted to know his interest level in succeeding Poggiali. Brown, of course, was very interested. "Lucas is a great person and I'm very, very appreciative of what he has done. Both Mr. Poggiali and I want what is best for our students, our athletic programs, and our community," Brown said. "I want to keep this going and elevate the program." Sandusky will play in Division II this year in the OHSAA's new seven-division format. Schools are permitted 13 days of practice without pads or hitting beginning May 15. Sandusky's summer program begins next Wednesday and practice for the 2024 season officially begins August 1. Rambler called Brown, who will be in his eighth year with the football program, a proven leader. "Coach Brown is a proven leader and will positively impact our football team and all of our students within our school community," Rambler said. "We are incredibly proud to have him lead our football team through this transition and continue to strengthen the program through his leadership."