Pees steps down as Findlay High football coach

Findlay High School went looking for a new football coach just twice between 1996 and 2019. Now, the school or looking for its second head football coach in just over a year. Matt Pees, who left the NFL to become Findlay High's head coach a year ago, will be returning the pro ranks with his father Dean, who on Thursday was named defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. A Hardin Northern graduate, Dean Pees also coached at Elmwood High School and was an assistant under Dick Strahm at then Findlay College before embarking on a highly successful career that took him to Miami, Navy, Toledo, Kent State, Notre Dame, and Michigan State. Dean Pees was an assistant and defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots (2004 to 2009), Baltimore Ravens (2010 to 2017), and Tennessee Titans (2018-19). Matt Pees got to coach with his father with the Titans, but moved on when Dean Pees retired following the 2019-20 season. Matt Pees was hired as Findlay High head coach last February after Mark Ritzler, who compiled a school-best 74 career wins in his 14 years as head coach, opted to step down. "We appreciate Matt and thank him for his service," FHS Athletic Director Nate Weihrauch said in a statement released by the school on Friday. "Matt has provided tremendous insight and knowledge to the game and continues to provide opportunities for our athletes. This has been an emotional time for Matt and we wish he, Emily, and his family continued success as they transition to the next chapter of their life. "We appreciate Matt and support his difficult decision as he transitions back to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Our goals and mission will not change as we look forward to next season." Pees guided Findlay to a 3-2 record during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The Trojans were 3-1 during a regular-season that saw two games lost to COVID-19 quarantines. Findlay fell 28-19 to Springboro in the first round of the Division I Region 2 playoffs.