5 Reasons Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Football Is In Crisis: The Doran Grant Era Ends Abruptly
The Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (STVM) football program is currently navigating one of its most turbulent periods in recent memory, marked by a shocking coaching carousel and disappointing on-field results in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. As of late
The recent upheaval is a stark contrast to the program’s championship pedigree, creating a sense of urgency for the administration to stabilize the coaching staff and restore the winning tradition. The following breakdown explores the key factors contributing to the current crisis, from the unexpected coaching turnover to the tough season records that have left the Irish faithful searching for answers.
The Shocking Coaching Carousel: Doran Grant’s Abrupt Departure
The biggest story surrounding the Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary football program in the 2024–2025 period is the rapid turnover in leadership. The instability at the head coach position has become a primary concern for the community and a major factor in the team’s struggles.
From Buckeye Star to Brief Tenure: The Doran Grant Era
The hiring of former Ohio State star and NFL player Doran Grant in late 2023 was met with excitement and high expectations. Grant, a STVM alumnus and former Ohio State Buckeyes captain, was seen as the perfect fit to energize the program and leverage his connections for recruiting.
- Hiring Date: Announced in December 2023.
- Previous Coach: Grant succeeded Marcus Wattley Sr., who had a previous stint with the team, including a Regional Championship in 2017.
- Departure: Doran Grant's tenure ended abruptly in late October 2025, with the school deciding to move on from the former star after just two seasons.
- Current Role: Following his departure from STVM, Grant quickly joined the coaching staff at nearby Akron East.
The Interim Solution: Gary Shadie Steps In
Immediately following the decision to part ways with Grant, the school named Gary Shadie as the Interim head coach. This move signals the beginning of an official search for a long-term leader who can commit to rebuilding the program and restoring its competitive edge in the highly competitive Northeast Ohio landscape. The rapid change highlights the administration’s focus on immediate stabilization as they look toward the 2026 season.
5 Critical Factors Driving STVM Football’s Current Crisis
The recent coaching change is a symptom of deeper issues that have plagued the Fighting Irish program. The following five factors illustrate the challenges the team faced during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns, leading to the current state of crisis.
1. Steep Decline in On-Field Performance (2024-2025)
The most immediate and concerning issue is the team’s poor performance on the field. The 2024 season finished with a difficult 1-9 overall record, and the 2025 season showed no significant improvement, with the team reportedly starting 0-9. These records are a significant departure from the program's historical winning percentages and have resulted in the team missing the OHSAA playoffs.
This struggle is particularly noticeable in Division II, where STVM competes against strong regional opponents like Nordonia, Hudson, and Warren G. Harding. The lack of competitive results ultimately led to the administrative decision to change leadership.
2. The Instability of the Coaching Position
The recent history of the STVM head coaching job has been marked by a revolving door. The short tenures of coaches like Marcus Wattley and Doran Grant create a lack of long-term vision and continuity that is essential for high school programs. Players are constantly adapting to new systems, which hinders development and cohesion, particularly for underclassmen and key returning players.
3. Competitive Challenges in Division II, Region 5
The Fighting Irish compete in OHSAA Division II, Region 5, one of Ohio’s most challenging regions. The schedule often includes formidable opponents that test the team's depth and execution early in the season. Facing powerhouses like Nordonia and Perry resulted in significant losses, making it difficult for the team to build momentum or confidence. The sheer competitive pressure of the region demands a stable, experienced coaching staff to navigate the schedule successfully.
4. Game Cancellations and Program Depth Issues
A sign of deeper program struggles emerged in the 2025 season when STVM had to cancel a game. In October 2025, the team did not play its scheduled opponent, Youngstown Ursuline, a situation that often points to low roster numbers or significant injury issues within the program. Maintaining depth and participation is a growing challenge for many high school programs, and this event suggests the STVM program is not immune to these issues, further compounding the on-field struggles.
5. Pressure to Maintain a Championship Legacy
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary is not just any high school; it is a school with a celebrated football history, boasting multiple state championships in 1972, 1981, 1982, 1988, 2012, and 2013. This rich legacy, while a source of pride, also creates immense pressure. The expectation is to compete for state titles, not to finish with a losing record. The current performance is a stark deviation from the program’s standard, and the administration’s quick action regarding the coaching staff reflects the high stakes involved in maintaining this tradition of excellence.
Notable Players and the Future Outlook
Despite the recent struggles, the STVM program continues to produce talent, which remains the lifeblood of its potential resurgence. The development of key players and the recruitment of new talent will be vital for the next head coach.
- Promising Talent: The program has recently featured players like Sian Cotton (Defensive Tackle) and Lawrence Wilson (Wide Defensive End), indicating that collegiate-level talent is still moving through the system.
- College Commitments: STVM continues to send athletes to the next level, including a 2025 Offensive Lineman who committed to Marshall, and a linebacker, Vince Eadicicco, who went on to Ohio Wesleyan.
The next head coach will face the immediate challenge of stabilizing the program, rebuilding confidence after two losing seasons, and leveraging the school's historical success and talent pipeline to return the Fighting Irish to the top of Ohio high school football. The focus must be on long-term continuity, player development, and rekindling the winning culture that defined the program for decades.
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