Fischer resigns as Pottstown head football coach

POTTSTOWN >> Pottstown head football coach Mark Fischer stepped down Tuesday after two seasons in charge.

“This was a very difficult decision, but one that was best for my family and myself at this time,” Fischer said. “I built so many great relationships during my time at Pottstown.”

Fischer arrived at Pottstown after serving the previous three years as a coordinator at Phoenixville, where he remains a special education teacher. Fischer’s first season saw the Trojans struggle to a 2-10 finish in 2017, but Pottstown was one of the feel-good stories in the area this past year, as a 5-5 regular season record led to the first home playoff game – and victory – in years. Although the campaign ended with a loss to cross-town rival Pottsgrove in the District 1 Class 4A championship game, the Trojans return several all-PAC performers in 2019.

“This past season was one I’ll never forget,” Fischer acknowledged. “Our players worked extremely hard and made it to the district championship game. I’m so proud of all our players for the commitment and dedication they’ve shown.”

Pottstown athletic director Matt Miller admitted he was a little surprised by Fischer’s announcement, but understood his decision to focus on family.

“Mark’s been a fantastic coach for us,” Miller said. “He did a great job with our student-athletes, and obviously this season’s turnaround and return to the playoffs after a very long drought was a highlight. I’d like to thank Mark for everything he did in making this past season such a success.”

With its last three head coaching tenures being three years or fewer – Don Grinstead (2013-15), Gary Rhodenbaugh (2016), Fischer (2017-18) – Pottstown’s next coach will be its fourth in five seasons.

As far as naming a replacement, Miller said it’s obviously too soon to give any definitive details – the opening was just posted Wednesday morning. That said, the AD wants to capitalize on the momentum of the 2018 season and thus doesn’t plan to wait long before making a hire.

“In a perfect world, this decision is made sooner rather than later,” he said. “We’ve got student-athletes who we want to get back into the weight room, so we need to decide on the person who will lead our program.”