The Nordonia High School football team will have a new head coach on the sidelines for the 2026 season.
Jeff Fox has announced his resignation as Knights football coach after 14 seasons in charge and longtime assistant Scott Barwidi is set to be recommended to the Board of Education to serve as the new head coach.
Fox will be returning to his alma mater, Willoughby South High School, to serve as athletic director. Fox compiled a record of 106-56 in 14 seasons with Nordonia. He led the Knights to 11 OHSAA playoff appearances, including a Division II state runner-up finish in 2014 with a team that featured Denzel Ward, a future standout at Ohio State University and with the Cleveland Browns.
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“The Nordonia High School Athletic Department would like to thank Coach Fox for all of his hard work and commitment to the Nordonia football program and community,” Nordonia athletic director Rob Eckenrode said. “We wish Jeff the best as he returns home to embark upon the next phase of his career.”
Nordonia coach Jeff Fox walks the sideline during a game against East on Aug. 29, 2025, in Macedonia.
Barwidi has been on Nordonia’s football coaching staff for the past 18 seasons, serving as strength and conditioning coach, defensive backs coach, quarterbacks coach, special teams coordinator and most recently as assistant head coach.
Barwidi also served as Nordonia’s track and field coach from 2009-2021, during which time the Knights won 13 league championships, four district championships and one regional championship.
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“The Nordonia High School Athletic Department is confident that Coach Barwidi will provide the continuity and dedication needed to continue the ongoing Nordonia football tradition while keeping the success going both on and off the field,” Eckenrode said.
This article will be updated.
Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Scott Barwidi will be head coach for Nordonia High School football
