Dave Sharpe, the football coach at Noblesville High School for the past five seasons, has decided to step down from his position. Sharpe's tenure was marked by a controversial offensive strategy and a struggle to find consistent success on the field, leading to his resignation.

A Tough Sell, But a Committed Team

Sharpe's tenure as Noblesville's football coach was not without its challenges. He implemented a "Power T" running offense, a strategy that prioritized ball control and clock management over a high-powered passing attack. While this approach may have had its merits, Sharpe acknowledged that it was a "tough sell" for some in the community."I know it's a tough sell," Sharpe said. "But our kids bought into the formula, even if some in the community did not."Despite the community's skepticism, Sharpe's players remained committed to his vision. The senior leadership council even had the idea to "change the narrative" of Noblesville football, a testament to their dedication to the program.

Close Calls and Missed Opportunities

Sharpe's Noblesville teams came close to finding success on multiple occasions. After opening the season with wins over Mt. Vernon and Homestead, the Millers lost six of their Hoosier Crossroads Conference games by a touchdown or less. The only game decided by more than a single score was a 38-18 loss to Westfield, which was a one-score game in the fourth quarter.However, Noblesville's overall record during Sharpe's tenure tells a different story. In five seasons, the Millers won just three conference games, finishing 2-8 in three of those seasons and 4-7 twice.

Proud of the Effort, but Falling Short

Despite the team's struggles, Sharpe expressed pride in his players' efforts and commitment. He praised the senior class, saying they "worked and bought in and did everything they possibly could.""I really have no regrets," Sharpe said. "I loved coaching at Noblesville and was proud to be the Millers' football coach. We had some great kids but ultimately came up short quite a few times."Sharpe acknowledged that the Noblesville job is a demanding one, with the need to invest time in the youth and middle school programs to build a cohesive program. He felt that he may have fallen short in this area, as it was "hard to sell a philosophy that is unpopular."

A Promising Job Opening

With Sharpe's resignation, Noblesville's football program is now in search of a new leader. The school's new stadium and facilities make it an attractive job opportunity, and Sharpe believes the "culture is so much better than it was five years ago."However, Sharpe also cited the time commitment required for a head coaching position at a 6A Hoosier Crossroads Conference school as a factor in his decision to step down. He expressed a desire to spend more time with his four children, indicating that the demands of the job had become too much to balance.As Noblesville begins its search for a new football coach, the community will be looking for a leader who can build on the progress made under Sharpe's tenure and guide the Millers to the success they have been seeking.