McDermott at his son Cooper’s college signing ceremony.

Atlantic Head Football Coach Mike McDermott has submitted his resignation to the Atlantic School Board, who will discuss his departure at tonight’s school board meeting. McDermott is an Atlantic graduate and long time coach within the program. He has either played or coached football for the past 34 years, most of those years in Atlantic.

McDermott served as offensive coordinator for many years under former Head Coach Gaylord Schelling. He led the offense during Atlantic’s State Championship run in 2002. McDermott was hired as head coach for the Trojans prior to the 2016 season. During that five year tenure the Trojans saw gradual improvement and capped off their best season in over 15 years this past season with a 7-2 record and appearance in the State Playoffs. McDermott compiled a record of 21-24 as head coach.

McDermott told KJAN Sports that the decision to step down is purely for family reasons. His son Cooper has two years left of college football at Dakota State and his daughter Callie has 3 years left of high school volleyball and he wants to take this time to watch them compete.

McDermott plans to remain teaching 8th grade in Atlantic and will continue to coach tennis in the spring.