Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation is excited to announce the return of Mike Kirschner as the Head Football Coach at Mt. Vernon High School. Kirschner previously served as head coach at Mt. Vernon for three seasons from 2018 to 2020, following an 18-year tenure at Ben Davis High School, including 11 years as head coach. 

During Kirschner’s previous tenure as the head coach at Mt. Vernon, he led the team to a 30-8 record, captured two sectional titles in 2019 and 2020, and guided the program to its first regional championship in 2019. 

Following his time at Mt. Vernon, Kirschner returned to his alma mater, Warren Central, where he served as head coach from 2021 to 2024 and led the program to three consecutive sectional championships. Most recently, he spent the 2025 season as the assistant football coach at Hamilton Heights, working alongside his son, Jon Kirschner, the Huskies’ head coach.  

During his football career as a head coach, Mike Kirschner has earned numerous team and personal accomplishments.

Career Highlights and Honors:

• 10 Sectional championships (2008, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024)
• 5 Regional Championships (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019)
• 2 Semi-State Championships (2014, 2017)
• 2 State Championships (2014, 2017)
• Three MIC Championships (2012, 2013, 2017)
• One HHC Championship (2019)
• Marion County Coach of the Year (2011, 2016, 2017)
• Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) Hall of Fame Inductee (2024)
• IFCA Coach of the Year (2014, 2017)
• MaxPreps Indiana Coach of the Year (2014)
• Head Coach of the Indiana North/South All-Star Game (2013)
• Assistant Coach of the Indiana North/South All-Star Game (2012)
• Assistant Coach Defensive Line - Army All-American Game (2015)
• Head Coach - Army All-American Game (2017)
• Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Finalist (2014, 2017)
• Army All-American Bowl Coach of the Year Finalist (2018)

Mike Kirschner reflected on his return to Mt. Vernon, sharing, "I am very blessed to return to Mt. Vernon and work with the students/athletes on a daily basis. To be part of a community that puts the students' well-being and academic success first makes it a great place to work." 

Mt. Vernon High School Principal Brooke Tharp shared, “Coach Kirschner brings experience, integrity, and a students-first approach while fostering a competitive athletic culture. We’re excited to welcome him back to Mt. Vernon.”

Mr. Brandon Ecker, Athletic Director of Mt. Vernon High School, stated, “We look forward to the leadership that Coach Kirschner brings to the Marauder family.  As a coach, teacher, and motivational speaker, Kirschner has had a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of students during his career.  He has shown kids that there is no replacement for hard work and competition, which will undoubtedly lead to the future success of the Marauder football program.”

Kirschner will begin his role as Mt. Vernon High School’s Head Football Coach and Weight Room Assistant on January 6, 2026. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Ball State University in 1983.