Lawrence Free State Promotes Assistant Coach to Coordinator Role
Lawrence Free State Firebirds head coach, Mark Gottschalk, has elevated assistant coach, Tyler Jones, to a coordinator position. Jones spent five seasons developing talent in various roles, including wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator. The move comes as the Firebirds look to build on their 2022 6-4 record in 6A classification. Gottschalk cited Jones' ability to connect with players and develop game plans as key factors in the promotion. The Firebirds will look to improve their passing game and special teams units with Jones in the coordinator role. Recruiting implications are significant, as Jones will now be a key figure in evaluating and recruiting talent for the program. The Firebirds will open the 2026 season looking to contend in the Sunflower League.