Mike Jackson, who last year led the Ballard High School football team to its first trip to the state semifinals in 22 years, announced Friday he’s stepping down as the Bruins’ coach.
Jackson, who previously coached at Oldham County and Pikeville, posted a 57-40 record in eight seasons at Ballard. He said he’s stepping down in order to spend more time with his family.
“I know that sounds cliché, but it’s 100 percent the real deal,” said the 47-year-old Jackson, who has a 12-year-old son. “More than anything it’s about being a better dad. I’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of other people’s sons. It’s time to spend more time with my own.”
Ballard finished 6-5 this season after losing to Manual 30-23 in the first round of the Class 6-A playoffs. The 2014 Bruins finished 10-4 and reached the state semifinals for the first time since 1992 before falling to Dixie Heights.
Jackson has a career record of 146-83 after also coaching eight seasons at Oldham County (1997-2004) and three at Pikeville (2005-07).
He said he plans to return to coaching at some point.
“Coaching is in my blood, but I want to coach my son right now and you usually don’t get that opportunity,” Jackson said. “There will be something else out there. My wife would go nuts if I was home all the time. It will happen. I just don’t know where or at what level right now.”
Ballard athletic director Chris Kinney said the school is accepting applications for Jackson’s replacement.