One Kirschner is getting back into high school coaching. Another is getting out.

Jon Kirschner, who led Hamilton Heights to a 41-43 record over eight seasons, has decided to step down as coach. His father, Mike Kirschner, coached on his staff last season at Hamilton Heights before becoming a head coach again at Mt. Vernon.

For Jon Kirschner, the decision came down to family.

“It was a very tough decision,” he said. “I have been on a Friday night sideline since 1990 when I was a ballboy at Warren Central when my father was an assistant under Dave Shelbourne. I am grateful for everything football has given me all these years. I have a 10-year-old son who does nothing but dream of playing football at Hamilton Heights and a 6-year-old daughter who can’t wait to be a Husky cheerleader on Friday nights.”

Hamilton Heights had three consecutive winning seasons from 2021-23 under Kirschner, including an 11-1 record in 2023. That season, which included five consecutive shutouts, ended with a 28-8 loss to Bishop Chatard in the Class 3A sectional championship.

Kirschner plans to stay on as the strength coach at Hamilton Heights.

“I knew it was time to step away and just be dad,” he said. “I was missing too much time at home. I plan to stay on and grow the strength and conditioning program at Hamilton Heights.”

Hamilton Heights was 4-6 last season.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.Get IndyStar’s high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter. And be sure to subscribe to our new IndyStarTV: Preps YouTube channel.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jon Kirschner steps down after eight seasons as Hamilton Heights football coach