Five games into its 2026 season, Canal Winchester (OH) will be looking for a new head coach for the remainder of the season.
The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported on Wednesday, Sept. 23, that former head coach Rob Page had stepped down after just 17 games with the program.
The report stated that Page was involved in an investigation regarding "unprofessional conduct" with a student-athlete.According to a statement from Canal Winchester High School Director of communications for the school district Megan Anthony, Page had been placed on administrative leave over the weekend as the school district investigated the claims. Their investigation ultimately substantiated the reports.
The report noted that the school district
had not released the details of the accusations and that Page had also resigned from his classroom position as an intervention specialist. However, while no exact details were released of what happened, the district did say the incident happened in his role as a coach and not from his classroom position.
"The conduct identified through the investigation was unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards we expect from staff members trusted with the care and support of our student," Anthony's statement ended.
Page became Canal Winchester's head coach ahead of the 2025 season and led the program to a 10-2 record. This year they were off to a 2-3 start averaging 34.8 points per game. They had just lost to Pickerington Central (OH) last Friday 24-21.
Prior to his short stint at Canal Winchester, Page had coached at Milan (IN), Reading (OH) and Big Walnut (OH).
Defensive coordinator Corey Coe will serve as the team's coach going forward. They return to the field on September 25 for a home game against Newark (OH).
“Our focus now is on our student athletes,” Anthony said in the statement. “Coach Coe, our football coaching staff, and our athletic department are committed to providing the stability and support our players need to move forward and have a positive experience for the rest of the season.”
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ohio football coach resigns following investigation into 'unprofessional conduct'
