Ankeny Centennial High School announced Thursday that Hall of Fame coach Jerry Pezzetti and his son, co‑head coach Ryan Pezzetti, have mutually agreed to part ways with the Jaguar football program. The paperwork was submitted on Friday, concluding a 14‑year partnership that began when the senior Pezzetti moved the program to the newly formed Centennial campus in 2013.
Decades of success and community impact
Jerry Pezzetti, now 88, is the winningest high‑school football coach in Iowa history. He was inducted into the Iowa Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1998 and the National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame in 2022. Over a career that spans more than seven decades, his all‑time record stands at 463‑196‑1, highlighted by state titles in 1997, 2012 and a final championship before the Ankeny district split.
During his tenure at Ankeny Centennial, the Jaguars posted a 3‑6 record this season, a modest finish compared with the program’s historic success. Nonetheless, the Pezzettis have left an indelible mark on the community. Former players have advanced to the NFL and to collegiate programs at every level, and countless young men credit the coaches for shaping their character and work ethic.
Athletic director and community reactions
“I want to thank both coaches Jerry and Ryan Pezzetti for their impact on the Ankeny Centennial Jaguar football program, and their investments in the sport and our student‑athletes,” said Ankeny Centennial athletic director Nate Lingren. “They have put players into the NFL, collegiately at every level, and have developed exceptional young men. Our program has benefitted greatly from their leadership, and we wish them well in this transition.”
Ryan, who will continue teaching at Ankeny’s Summit Alternative School, reflected on the decision, saying, “Appreciate the kids, number one. Appreciate the community and support we had over the years.” He added that his father’s coaching legacy spans generations, noting, “Over seven decades, he coached sons, fathers and grandfathers, with every generation showing more respect than the first toward his commitment and dedication.”
Looking ahead for the Jaguars
The school will begin a search for new leadership of the football program. While the transition marks the end of an era, the district remains confident that the foundation built by the Pezzettis will guide future coaches in continuing the tradition of excellence and character development.
Jerry Pezzetti could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
