Todd Gilliland’s Coaching Tree Blooms Across Ohio

Gilliland’s Legacy Takes Root Elsewhere

Portsmouth West’s veteran coach made sure not to claim all the applause when three of his former assistants launched their own head‑coach roles. Steven Irwin now leads Notre Dame, Josh Bailey is at Minford, and Brian Wroten heads South Point, each citing Gilliland’s program as a launching pad. The former players and staff members say the West Side culture gave them tools most small‑school programs never develop. Their moves signal a rare coaching tree taking shape in southeastern Ohio.

New Leaders, Familiar Roots

Irwin, Bailey, and Wroten each spent time on Gilliland’s staff after playing for him at Sciotoville East and later at West. Bailey even crossed paths with Gilliland during a short stint on his bench before moving to Minford. A fourth former assistant, Trenton Fike, followed Irwin to the Titans, extending the network. These transitions show how Gilliland’s environment prepares coaches to step into top roles for the first time.

Statistical Backbone of a Rising Program

Under Gilliland’s guidance the Senators have compiled a 38‑21 record in five seasons, reaching an 11‑2 mark in 2022 that secured a Southern Ohio Conference Division II championship and a third‑round playoff berth. The team followed with back‑to‑back eight‑win campaigns in 2023 and 2024, and despite a six‑victory season last year it posted its first playoff wins in two consecutive years. Those numbers illustrate a program that not only competes but also builds a model other schools seek to copy.

Why Other Programs Are Watching

Area coaching vacancies have turned attention to what West has built, prompting inquiries about replicating its formula. The focus on player buy‑in, community support, and a staff willing to go the extra mile resonates beyond the field. Small‑school football often struggles with turnover, yet Gilliland’s approach creates continuity that sustains success. Observers now view his system as a blueprint for rebuilding stagnant programs.

Future Clash and Mutual Respect

Bailey’s journey will bring him face‑to‑face with his old mentor when Minford hosts West on September 25, 2026, the third meeting on opposite sidelines. Despite the rivalry, Bailey expressed admiration for the West staff and players, calling the contest a highlight rather than a grudge match. The game underscores how coaching relationships evolve while respect remains. It also offers fans a preview of how two philosophies will matchup in a competitive SOC II setting.

Looking Ahead for the Coaching Tree

Gilliland remains enthusiastic about watching his former assistants grow, noting that losing talent is inevitable but essential for career development. He believes the ripple effect will continue to spread through southeastern Ohio, fostering more homegrown leaders. The influence he’s had is already evident in the organizational skills, preparation methods, and relationship‑building practices these coaches carry forward. If the trend holds, other schools may soon see similar trees sprouting from different branches.