Nation Ford head football coach Michael Allen resigned abruptly Monday as head football coach of the Falcons varsity football team.
Allen, who has been the head football coach for the Falcons for the past 13 season, was in his 14th season this year. Allen’s record with the Falcons was 72-75 during his time at Nation Ford. He also resigned from his job as a PE teacher at Nation Ford High School as well.
Allen said he was asked to, “stand on a platform that he wasn’t willing to stand on.” He didn’t elaborate what that was or what he meant behind that, but felt that it was best for him to resign.
“I love this community,” Allen said. “I live here. I embraced the youth and have given them everything I have for the love of my community. And I am proud of that. The program is in a great spot. I got great coaches. I have quality people in place working with me, and that helped the decision. Our kids are in good hands.”
Nation Ford is 1-3 this season. Their only win of the season so far came Saturday, Aug. 31 with a 14-12 victory over the York Cougars.
Allen is only the second head coach that Nation Ford has had since it opened in 2007 and took over in the Falcons football program after the 2010 season.
During his time at Nation Ford, Allen guided Nation Ford to an Upper State championship appearance in 2015, the first for a football team in Fort Mill Township at that time since 1975, when his father, Gus Allen, guided the Fort Mill Yellow Jackets to an Upper State championship appearance. He also guided Nation Ford to a Region title in 2017, the first in the sport of football for the town since Fort Mill won a region title in 1993.
In 2022, Allen passed his father, Gus, for most wins by a football coach in Fort Mill Township. He has led Nation Ford to the playoffs 11 of the 13 season he was at the helm.
“The man has been a staple here since it opened,” said interim athletic director Craig Brown. “We care for him a lot here. It was surprising. He will be missed dearly.”
Nation Ford travels to District III Stadium this Friday, Sept. 20 to take on the Northwestern Trojans to open Region 3-5A play. Offensive coordinator Jason McManus, who is in his first year with the Falcons, is serving as head coach for the remainder of the season.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
