The Chardon Hilltoppers have appointed Brian Landies as their new head football coach, following the departure of Mitch Hewitt earlier this month. Landies, who has served as the team’s defensive coordinator for the past 13 seasons, will now take the helm of the program. During his tenure as defensive coordinator, Landies played a key role in leading the team to state championships in both 2020 and 2021.
“Very few have sacrificed more for Chardon Football over the years than Coach Landies,” said Hewitt. “And besides, any coach who has penned a book titled ‘Bleeding Red & Black’ deserves the reins. As a father with two sons still in the program, I couldn’t be happier with the direction of the program.”
Landies is a 2002 graduate of Chardon High School and lives in the area with his wife, Brittany. Their children are also involved in the Chardon School system, with two of their sons currently participating in the football program.
After playing four years of football at Malone University, Landies graduated in 2007. He then served as a Graduate Assistant at Malone in 2008 and 2009 before returning to coach at Chardon. Over the years, he has been involved with the team under the leadership of the past three Chardon head coaches.
“I’m honored and humbled to be able to continue the traditions of Chardon Football,” said Landies. “I fell in love with Chardon football when I was 10 years old while watching my brother and his friends win a state championship. I was blessed to be able to play for Coach Doyle and Coach Dipofi, and coach alongside Coach Hewitt the past 14 seasons. Together, with the rest of our amazing staff, we look to continue to build on the rich history we have inherited and continue to make our community proud to be Hilltoppers.”
Chardon Superintendent Michael Hanlon emphasized the importance of continuity in the coaching transition. “His experience with our student-athletes and the leadership culture established by Mitch Hewitt will enable us to make a smooth transition moving into the future,” Hanlon said.
Related topics:
