Brown stays course, named Sandusky football coach

SANDUSKY — Jamaris Brown thought it over, talked it out and decided the Sandusky football job was still his dream. Brown, who three weeks ago took his name out of the running for the Blue Streaks job due to public backlash over the hiring process, was approved as head football coach at Monday's Sandusky Schools board meeting. "JB is going to be phenomenal," Sandusky superintendent Dan Rambler said. "We're really fortunate to have him on board. I think he's gonna do a great job. He's really good with our kids and cares about the district in a strong way." Brown, who is with the Blue Streaks at a team camp this week at the University of Mount Union, said that he's not one to overreact. That became a valuable trait during the hiring process. "It was very important for me not to overreact," Brown said. "Anybody you talk to about me will tell you I'm very humble and sorta laid back. I'm very observant. I don't speak out too much, but I process a lot of things. One of the most important traits I have is I don't overreact. "I try to stay even keel. I credit that to my mom and dad. They've always kept me humble, always said, 'Hey, you can do better. Just always keep trying.'" Brown, who teaches physical education at the junior high school, was Rambler's pick as football coach. The district leader was slated to recommend Brown as coach and Lucas Poggiali as athletic director on June 4, but a contentious public meeting the night caused the two young leaders to step away from the offers. Brown, 30, is glad he stayed the course. "I feel phenomenal about it. It's been a rough few weeks not only on me but my family," he said. "After talking with my wife and thinking it through with my family and letting everything reveal itself about what the community was talking about, I feel a lot more comfortable now." Brown is entering his ninth year in the program. He was associate head coach and defensive coordinator under Poggiali for the last two seasons. Poggiali turned down an offer to return as head coach and instead took an administrative job at Margaretta Schools. Brown told Rambler in mid-June that he had renewed interest in the head coaching position. After Brown initially turned down the job, Rambler said he was going to give him time to ponder his next move. Brown appreciated the space. "They respected my time and let me think it through and talk with my family," he said. "I was the one who gave them the answer, that I was willing to stay and do whatever I need to do." Brown, a native of Fort Meyers, Florida, played college football at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. He will retain much of last year's coaching staff, which should make the transition easier. "This has always been a dream-come-true job," he said. "Sandusky is a prestigious program, and it doesn't get better than this. It was good for my family, good for me and it's absolutely good for the kids to have some familiarity within the program." Brown is very familiar with his players, having seen them come up through the school system. "The senior group, I've known them since they were fifth-grade basketball players. I've seen them grow," he said. "I taught them in the middle school. "This is something that is very close to me, with the kids. I'm appreciative because this is one of the best jobs to do — to see kids grow and become young men and women and make change happen in the world." Brown is married to the former Morgan Newell and the couple has three young children. Newell is a Sandusky graduate and former basketball standout. "She still has a record up there on the board," Brown said. "She's a Blue Streak through and through." Brown said he enjoys the "family atmosphere" at Sandusky and thanked the administration for the chance to lead the Blue Streaks. His coaching salary is $9,254. "I want to thank God," he said. "None of this is even possible without Him looking over me and my family, and making sure I stay humble. "I'm thankful for the Sandusky administration for even considering me for this position. They didn't have to do that."