Mannon named Mules football coach

The search is finally over, as the Poplar Bluff Mules have named Jeff Mannon as their new head football coach. Mannon has been on the staff for the last 15 years as the assistant — and also played on the Mules’ last district championship squad in 2000 — and now he gets the opportunity to run the show.

Mannon said he’s poured his heart and soul into the program and is honored to step into his new position on the gridiron as this was a lifelong goal that is finally coming to fruition.

“I immediately got excited and started asking when I could start working,” Mannon said. “I’m ready to just get in and start building the program from the bottom up. I want to get all the lower levels running the same offense and defense and just keep the community more involved in the program. The whole community can make it their home and feel like they’re contributing to the on and off-the-field success of these kids.”

Mannon will replace Dave Sievers, who announced his retirement earlier this year and finished his stint with the Mules with a 32-31 record. Last season, the Mules finished with a 5-5 record and had their playoff run cut short after a 28-21 loss to the Farmington Knights in the semifinals of the Class 5 District 1 tournament.

Key returners for the Mules next season are quarterback Jay Edmundson, who completed 1,690 yards with 14 touchdowns and led the team in rushing with 626 yards and seven touchdowns of his own. Also returning are receivers Hunter Clifford and Dylan Hall, plus Connor Stevens and Lincoln Warren on the defensive side.

While Mannon has been the defensive coordinator for the past few seasons for the Mules, he’s eager to utilize all of the skills he’s learned throughout the years and put his coaching philosophy to the test. He wants to ensure the community that the team will be geared toward unity and wants everyone to get ready to join them on this journey as they write the next chapter of Poplar Bluff football.

“Poplar Bluff has always been my home, and being able to lead our football program is a privilege I don’t take lightly,” Mannon said. “My vision for our program is simple: unity, passion, and progress. I want every member of our community to feel involved and excited about what we’re building. Together, we can achieve great things both on and off the field.”