Indiana high school football team undergoes first head coaching change in nearly six decades

In a historic day for Indiana high school football, Sheridan will have a new head coach after nearly 60 years. Jake Chesney, a Sheridan alum, will take over from Larry “Bud” Wright, who has been coaching the Blackhawks since 1966.

As the Indianapolis Star’s Kyle Neddenriep wrote, Chesney played under Wright for four seasons before attending Trine University. In addition to playing college football, Chesney also earned a degree in finance.

While Chesney was Sheridan’s associate head coach, he still went through a selection process before being named Wright’s successor. The said process comprised interviews with Sheridan coaches, teachers, former players, and community members. Likewise, current players and their parents gave their opinions during the process.

Chesney will have big shoes to fill as he replaces Wright, who is Indiana high school football’s winningest coach. The 83-year-old mentor earned 463 of his 464 victories during his 59-year tenure at Sheridan. Wright’s success translated into 19 sectional titles, 14 regional championships, and 10 semi-state appearances.

The 2022 Indiana High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame inductee also led the Blackhawks to nine state championships. His first state crown occurred in 1980 when Sheridan blanked North Judson 27-0.

Wright also led Sheridan to Class A state titles in 1984, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1998, 2005, and 2006. His last state championship came in 2007 via Sheridan’s 34-28 win over Rockville. Meanwhile, the 59 points Sheridan scored against Bremen in 1988 is an Indiana Class A championship game record.

Wright’s departure came with controversy as the veteran coach revealed that he was forced to resign, or he’ll be fired. However, Sheridan’s board of trustees denied the allegations. They explained that both parties agreed that the 2024 season would be Wright’s last. Before finalizing that decision, Wright went on administrative lead for a week.

For the first time in nearly 60 years, Sheridan has a new football coach. https://t.co/5RFSPJYmQP pic.twitter.com/gtyFRHF6FN

— Kyle Neddenriep (@KyleNeddenriep) January 29, 2025

As Chesney transitions into a bigger role, Jake Chesney will take over a team that finished 7-6 last season. The Blackhawks participated in the Indiana high school football Class 1A tournament, losing to South Putnam in the regional championship.