Ste. Genevieve, Mo. (KFMO) - Jay Pope is retiring from coaching after 16 years at multiple schools in the southeast Missouri area.
Pope announced via a post on facebook the decision was a difficult one to make, but the right one for he and his family.
"After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to retire from coaching. As my young family continues to grow, so too have the demands and responsibilities of being a coach, and I am ready to shift my energy from chasing championships to chasing my daughters.
"Reflecting back on 16 years of service, I truly believe the tangible results show that there is nothing left undone. Collectively on this journey at the 3 schools, we have won 9 State Titles, been named Maxpreps #1 Overall team in the state, held the nation's longest active winning streak, and had zero losing seasons. It was an honor to be the Head Coach of 3 different sports over that time which included helping start a wrestling program that continues to grow and find sustainable success, a track team that never lost a race (thanks covid), and a football program that, after 5 seasons, shares the same win % as the legendary Hall of Famer Coach Stolzer... But none of those things were free; they came at an extraordinary opportunity cost, one that continues to grow each passing season at the expense of my family and my health, and quite frankly I no longer have the energy or fortitude to continue to pay that price.
"I am beyond grateful for all the relationships, memories, and experiences we've made these past 16 years, and I will carry them with me forever. Thank you to all the athletes who trusted me, the coaches I was blessed to work beside, the parents who supported us along the way, and the communities that made the journey so special. As always, Stay Gold."
Pope spent the last five seasons leading the Ste. Gen football program to a combined record of 39-18. In 2025 the Dragons were 9-2, their best record in a decade.