iStockphoto
A high school football program in Michigan will be without its head coach for the remainder of the year. Matt Giarmo of Dearborn abruptly stepped down midseason after his sixth game.
Details of that resignation remain unknown. A statement from the school’s principal failed to provide clarity.
Dearborn Public Schools communication director David Mustonen has confirmed with me that Pioneers football coach Matt Giarmo is no longer leading the program.
He went 3-3 in his six games at Dearborn. pic.twitter.com/70fV88MGL0
— Brandon Folsom (@folsomwrites) October 9, 2025
Michigan high school football coach resigns.
Giarmo was hired by the school in March. He had led the team to a 3-0 start before losing three straight contests. That total in the loss department matches what was seen in 2024 when the team went 8-3 under the previous staff.
Giarmo had previously coached at Father Gabriel Richard in Ann Arbor. The stint with his most recent employer was short-lived.
Administration released a statement on the decision after the fact.
By now, many of you are aware of the change in the head football coaching position here at Dearborn High. I understand that rumors have circulated, and I want to take this opportunity to share accurate information.
Earlier today, Matt Giarmo stepped down from his position as Dearborn High’s varsity football coach. We want to thank Mr. Giarmo for the time he spent leading the Pioneer team. Mr. Giarmo will continue his teaching responsibilities here at DHS…
Here at Dearborn High, and throughout the entire District, we embrace an approach to student discipline that is restorative and dignified-one that prioritizes repairing harm, building relationships, and fostering accountability. However, when student conduct warrants more severe consequences, we will follow our due process, and appropriate actions will be taken…
This is the time when we must do what we always do here at Dearborn High: work together to support each other and remain focused on our students.
-Dearborn Principal Zeina Jebril
Jebril’s message did little to provide clarity on the situation. It did hint at student discipline and conduct, as well as accountability. Still, it left my searching for answers as to the reasoning behind Giarmo’s decision.
They’re about to be 4-3 after this week with a legitimate chance at making the state playoffs?
Seems like a very rushed decision unless it was on Coach to step down and it wasn’t a firing. Or something else going on behind the scenes, but if it’s athletic/record related man idk.— Chris Robbins (@CR_Rocks16) October 9, 2025
Was Matt Giarmo forced out?
There is speculation that parents grew upset with the coach’s offensive approach. One source claimed that players threatened to quit if not removed from his post.
Whether that insinuation holds any weight is unknown. One would think the coach’s scheme was effectively explained prior to his hiring.
The school principal’s mention of student conduct provided further confusion given the vagueness of the overall explanation.
Whatever the case, Giarmo is no longer the Dearborn High School football coach. Junior Varsity coach Nick Margo will take over in the interim as the team looks to make a playoff push.