(8-14-23) Two weeks before the beginning of the 2023 high school football season, Glendale (Missouri) Mike Mauk is out as the head coach of the Falcons, Springfield Public Schools confirmed on Monday night. He will be replaced by interim coach Joel Heman for the 2023 season.

Josh Scott, director of athletics and activities for Springfield Public Schools-

“Coach Heman is a respected mentor who invests in the lives of student-athletes. Joel has already been leading practice for the regular season and we appreciate his willingness to serve as head coach in an interim capacity. We also thank Coach Mike Mauk for his service.”

During the off-season Kickapoo starting quarterback Kylan Mabins transferred to Glendale as he enters his senior year. It is unclear if Mabins will be eligible to play as sources have indicated that there has been opposition to his move to a rival school within the district. It also remains unclear if Mabins’ move played into Mauk’s sudden departure.

Mabins is not the first QB to transfer to Glendale during Mauk’s tenure…several years ago he brought in a QB from Kenton, Ohio, the school that he coached at for many years.

Mauk had been the head coach at Glendale since 2014.

Mauk recently sued the Springfield Public School District. Mauk was a successful coach at Kenton for many years before he was non- renewed as coach after he retired as AD.

Glendale Football Coach Mike Mauk’s Lawsuit Against The Springfield Public Schools District Is Still Pending