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Jerry Mynatt stepped down
Saturday at PikevillePIKEVILLE, Ky. – In three short years at Pikeville College, Jerry Mynatt has accomplished a lot of things: Back-to-back winning seasons, seeing the program through the Elite Nine and on to the next generation of talent, and the first playoff appearance in the young program’s history.

Now he turned those things into a memory.

Mynatt, the winningest coach in Pikeville football history, resigned as head football coach at the NAIA school.

“Coach Mynatt and I had a very pleasant, very comfortable discussion today about our program and about his future,” said President Hal Smith. “He assured me that he was at peace with his decision and was ready to step away from coaching for the time being. We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors and thank him for his time and dedication to Pikeville College and our football program.”


In three seasons at Pikeville, Mynatt compiled a record of 19-12.
“Pikeville College took a chance on me when I had no experience either as a head coach or a coordinator, and I truly appreciate that opportunity,” said Mynatt. “Being a football coach is a very stressful and labor-intensive life, and while I enjoyed coaching football and being around these young men, I have been offered a great opportunity that I just can’t turn down.”

Under his supervision, Pikeville College football has had its first back-to-back winning seasons; the Bears finished 7-3 this season after posting an 8-3 worksheet in 2004. He also has coached the second All-American at Pikeville in Antwan Marsh, the two-time Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year, who followed punter Jeff Williams on the All-American list.

In addition, Mynatt coached the MSC East offensive player of the year in running back Calvin Joplin.

Mynatt was recently named co-coach of the year in the MSC’s East Division, an honor he shared with Georgetown’s Bill Cronin.

Under his leadership, Pikeville posted wins over every opponent it played with the exception of Georgetown.

On Nov. 19, the Bears made their first appearance in the NAIA Football Championship Series, playing at No. 2 Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind. After trailing only 13-7 at the beginning of the fourth period, Pikeville lost 41-7.

The Bears were ranked 18th in the NAIA preseason poll this season. They moved up to 16th in the first poll of the regular season and never fell below that the rest of the season. They spent four weeks in the Top 10, peaking at No. 7 in the Oct. 17 rating.

The Bears finished 2004 ranked 23rd, the first time they’d ever been ranked in the season’s final poll.

Candidates interested in the vacancy should send their resume packages to either Athletics Director Ron Damron or Assistant AD Rick Bentley at [email]athletics@pc.edu[/email] or via mail at 147 Sycamore St., Pikeville, KY 41501.