penn hills principal issues statement on state of football program

Football Team update:
Players will resume lifting next week. pic.twitter.com/c1gT5ygusG

— PHSD (@PennHillsSD) May 21, 2026

The Penn Hills football program is going through some turbulence. Indians head coach Charles Morris and a majority of his staff recently resigned. Morris was 24-20 in his four seasons with the program and made the playoffs twice.

The district released a statement Thursday emphasizing the lifting program would start again and they are committed to making the best hire for the athletes. The letter, signed by Principal Bernard Taylor, Jr., emphasized that character was going to be a major consideration for who they pick next.

"As we think about the future of this program, we are committed to selecting a coach who not only builds a competitive team, but also develops young men of character," Taylor wrote. "We want leadership that helps all players grow both on and off the field. The central focus in this process, as it is with any staff hiring decision, is to find the individuals whose number one priority is student achievement and student well being."

The offseason has been unkind to the Indians.

Carter Bonner, who committed to West Virginia in April, transferred to Maryland powerhouse St. Frances Academy. Penn Hills graduate Drew Schifino recently reported for Sayless Media that running back Doryan Peay is transferring from to Imani Christian.

Last season, the Indians finished 3-7 overall, losing three of its final four games. The most devastating defeat came in the season finale to Plum, where the Mustangs returned a field goal Penn Hills blocked for a touchdown to seal a 20-14 win.

Before last season started, Penn Hills issued a statement online saying Morris' job wasn't in jeopardy after rumors were floated online that he had been let go by the school. 

Josh Rizzo is the editor and publisher of Pittsburgh Preps and Colleges. Story ideas can be submitted to [email protected] or on X @J_oshRizzo.