Tim Gibson has been hired to return to Wayland as varsity football coach.
Gibson may be best remembered as the coach of the Wildcat team that made it to the MHSAA Division 3 state semifinals in 2002. He comes Grand Rapids Catholic Central, where he was a varsity assistant offensive line coach.
He started his coaching career at Wayland Union and was the varsity head coach from 1999 to 2003, with a record of 29-23. He guided the Wildcats to three Michigan High School Athletic Association playoff appearances, along with an O-K Gold Conference championship. This included Wayland High School’s first playoff appearance and win and district and regional titles.
Gibson then started a fledgling football program at Forest Hills Eastern in 2004 starting from the ground up. In just one year his team made its first playoff appearance in 2005. The Hawks then made the MHSAA playoffs five times during his tenure. His record from 2004 to 2012 was 36-50.
While assisting at GR Catholic Central, the Cougars were MHSAA State Champions in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Gibson has been a head coach for 14 seasons and has helped many students earn All-State and Academic All-State accolades. He has also helped numerous student athletes continue their athletic careers playing sports at the collegiate level.
He succeeds Mike Doupe, who was dismissed after five seasons. The Wildcats were 0-9 last fall.
“I’m excited and humbled by the opportunity to return to the Wayland Union School District and community,” Gibson said “I look forward to meeting and getting to know our players and their families along with reconnecting with former players, colleagues and friends. Wayland football has always been special to me and I’m blessed to be a Wildcat again!”
“I am really excited to get Tim here to meet our players and start his off-season programs!” said WUHS Athletic DirectorMatt Moffett. “He has great passion and enthusiasm for students and brings a wealth of football knowledge to our players and program.”
Gibson is married to his wife Laurie of 25 years and have two children, Emily (23) and Garret (20).