Palisades’ Pirates Head Coach Brian Gilbert resigns

Written by: David Mika on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

After nine years as the head coach of Palisades’ football program, Brian Gilbert announced that he will not return to coach next season.

“There is no question in anyone’s mind about the impact that Brian Gilbert has had on Palisades’ football which has generated tremendous pride for our school district. The success of the Palisades football program has rested squarely on the shoulders, work ethic, and talents of Coach Gilbert over the past nine years,” said Dr. Francis Barnes, Superintendent. “I am certain that without him and our recent successes, we would not have garnered the support for our magnificent turf field; for that we are eternally grateful. We wish him the best!”

Gilbert coached the Pirates to post season play in six of the nine years. He led his team onto a Colonial League Championship for the first time in school history and District XI Championship titles in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Prior to hiring Gilbert, the Palisades Pirates won only 55 games in a 30 year period. Gilbert’s record boasts a total of 61 wins in only nine years as head coach.

As a former assistant football coach at William Allen, Liberty and Freehold Township High Schools, Gilbert came to Palisades in 2001. “It has been an honor and privilege to have Brian Gilbert as head coach of our football program. Through his efforts, Palisades was put on the map. We thank him for his commitment, sacrifice and hard work for our student-athletes,” said Rich Heffernan, principal of Palisades High School.

Gilbert will remain as a contracted teacher in the Business and Technology Department at Palisades. Having taught at Easton High School prior to being employed by Palisades School District, Mr. Gilbert received his teaching certifications in accounting and office technology from Shippensburg University and Gwynedd Mercy College. He received his Masters in Education from Penn State University.

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Palisades Football

Head Coach Brian Gilbert

Coaching Summary

2001 – 2009

5 – District XI playoff appearances

2 – District Championships

1 – League Championship

1 – Eastern Conference Finalist

61-43 record

2009: (6-5)

District XI Playoff berth AA
Beat Saucon Valley to capture the Bicentennial Trophy

2008: (9-4)

District XI Champions AA

2007: (10-3)

First 10 win season
District XI Champions AA
Colonial League Champions
Express Times “Coach of the Year”
Beat Saucon Valley to capture the Bicentennial Trophy

2006: (9-4)

First ever District XI playoff win AA
District Finalist vs. Wilson
Beat Saucon Valley to capture the Bicentennial Trophy

2005: (9-3)

First ever Playoff Win
Eastern Conference Finalist vs. Wyomissing
Beat Saucon Valley to capture the Bicentennial Trophy

2004: (7-3)

New School record for Wins in a season
KSA Kickoff Classic Champion, Orlando Florida
- Beat Shorecrest Prep, St. Petersburg, Florida 47-13
Buck’s County Herald “Coach of the Year” award

2003: (5-6)