No decision or game in 2024 was met with more shock and scrutiny than the WCHS administration's decison to part ways with Matt Turner following the football season. In Turner’s six seasons at the helm of Pioneer football, WCHS won 15 games, achieved a top-10 ranking in 2020 and saw one of its players - CJ Taylor - recognized as Mr. Football for the first time in school history. 

Just days after Turner was fired by the WCHS administration, he decided to step away from the wrestling program. It ended a run where Turner had helped produce over a dozen state qualifiers on the mat.

Turner has not spoken publicly about his dismissal from the football program (or his resignation from the wrestling program) since the decision was made in November. When the change was made, Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows said in a statement, “I want to thank coach Matt Turner for his time as the head coach of our football program. He has been invaluable for many years and is a Pioneer to his core. His commitment and the investment into the lives of our student-athletes is second to none. With that said, Warren County High School is in the midst of a new course for the program and feels the need to start fresh with a new person in the lead. That decision should not diminish the fact that Matt Turner is an outstanding leader of young men and that he has done tremendous work over the last six seasons.”

The coaching job is still open six weeks after Turner’s dismissal. Warren County football will start the 2025 season under new direction hoping to snap a 19-game losing streak.