Coaching Shakeup at Archbishop Wood: A Sudden Departure Leaves the Vikings Searching for Stability

In a surprising turn of events, Archbishop Wood's head football coach, Dave Armstrong, has announced his resignation, citing personal reasons. The move comes less than a month into the 2024 PIAA high school season, leaving the Vikings program in a state of flux. As the team prepares to face their next opponent, the search for a new leader begins, with the hope of restoring the once-dominant program to its former glory.

A Promising Start Cut Short: The Abrupt Resignation of Coach Armstrong

A Difficult Decision, a Valuable Lesson

Archbishop Wood's head football coach, Dave Armstrong, has made the decision to step down from his position, citing personal reasons. Armstrong, a 1998 Central Bucks West graduate, was named the Vikings' head coach in June of 2022 after serving as an assistant at the school for five years. His tenure, however, was short-lived, as he has now chosen to take a step back and spend more time with his family."It was something that I had to do, and I really appreciate the opportunity that was given to me at Wood," Armstrong said. "I enjoyed my time there and I learned a lot. For right now, I just want to take a step back and spend more time with my kids."Despite the challenges he faced, Armstrong expressed gratitude for the experience, stating that he learned a great deal about running a program. "I have no regrets because it was a great learning experience," he said. "I learned a ton about running a program and I wish them all of the best."

Offensive Coordinator Brian Goettner to Take the Helm

With Armstrong's resignation, the Vikings' offensive coordinator, Brian Goettner, is expected to take over the program as the team prepares for their next game against Archbishop Carroll. The Vikings, who currently hold a 0-3 record, will be looking to Goettner to provide stability and leadership during this transitional period.

A Tumultuous Tenure: Challenges and Setbacks

Armstrong's tenure as the Vikings' head coach was marked by a series of challenges and setbacks. In his first year, the team had to cancel the first two games of the 2022 season due to a lack of numbers. The Vikings would go on to finish the season with a 1-7 record, and in his two-plus seasons, the team's overall record stood at 2-18.The decline in the Vikings' performance can be attributed to a variety of factors, including declining enrollment (the team is now in Class 4A), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the numerous coaching changes the program has experienced in recent years.

A Decade of Dominance: The Vikings' Remarkable Run

Archbishop Wood's football program was once a powerhouse, dominating PIAA Class 5A for a decade. Between 2011 and 2019, the Vikings won PIAA Class 5A titles six times, cementing their status as one of the premier high school football programs in the state.However, the team's recent struggles have been a stark contrast to their past success. Since the 11-3 2019 team that defeated Cheltenham in the PIAA championship game, the Vikings have not had a winning season, a testament to the challenges they have faced in maintaining their dominance.

The Road Ahead: Rebuilding and Restoring the Vikings' Legacy

As the Archbishop Wood football program navigates this transition, the focus will be on rebuilding and restoring the team's legacy. The search for a new head coach will be crucial, as the program seeks to find a leader who can not only stabilize the team but also reignite the passion and success that once defined the Vikings.The task ahead is not an easy one, but with the right leadership and a renewed commitment to excellence, the Vikings have the potential to once again become a force to be reckoned with in PIAA football. The journey back to the top will require patience, dedication, and a clear vision for the future, but the opportunity to reclaim their former glory is there for the taking.