LOWELL, Mich. (WOOD) — A longtime high school football coach in West Michigan announced his retirement on Thursday.
Noel Dean announced he is retiring from coaching Lowell High School’s football team at a news conference at the school. He coached the Red Arrows for 22 seasons, amassing over 200 wins and three state championships.
“I’m not leaving Lowell, I’m a Red Arrow,” Dean said. “I’m just not going to be a head football coach anymore. I’m proud to be a Red Arrow and I’m proud of what we’ve done, it’s (just) time (to retire).”
Not sure I can name a coach who has had a bigger impact on a community than @oldballcoach4 #news8
9:38 AM - Jun 28, 2018“I’ve been offered a situation in my personal life where real money and time matters, and I’m at an age at 50 years old that I have a chance to maybe have a second career and maybe do some things that I haven’t been capable of doing for the last 27 years,” he said.
Dean played a vital role in starting Pink Arrow Pride, an annual event raising money and awareness of cancer. The tradition has raised thousands of dollars in donations and has expanded from football to soccer and volleyball.