Lawrence Central (IN) Hires New Head Football Coach

Russell Mann, a 4-time state champion, takes over the Bears program

Feb. 24, 2026 at 3:04pm

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Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis has hired Russell Mann as their new head football coach. Mann previously served as the head coach at Ben Davis, where he led the team to a 13-1 record and the program's 10th state championship in 2023.

Why it matters

Lawrence Central is one of the top high school football programs in Indiana, and the hiring of an experienced and successful coach like Russell Mann is expected to help the Bears return to state championship contention.

The details

Mann, who has won 4 state championships as a head coach, will look to turn around a Lawrence Central program that finished ranked 14th in the state last season. The Bears community is excited for Mann's leadership and tactical expertise to help the team reach new heights.

  • On Monday, February 24, 2026, Lawrence Central announced the hiring of Russell Mann as their new head football coach.

The players

Russell Mann

A 4-time state champion head football coach who previously led Ben Davis High School to a 13-1 record and the program's 10th state title in 2023.

Dr. Shawn A. Smith

The Superintendent of Schools for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, who expressed confidence in Mann's ability to take the Lawrence Central Bears to the next level.

Lawrence Central High School

A public high school located in Indianapolis, Indiana that is known for its strong academics, arts, and athletics programs, including its football team, the Bears.

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What they’re saying

“My leadership style brings everyone together in the pursuit of excellence. I know what winning looks like and am confident that with leadership, hard work, and tactical analyses, Lawrence Central will quickly become one of the Indiana's most dominant football programs.”

— Russell Mann, New Head Football Coach (Press Release)

“Our community is ready to get Lawrence Central back to state champion status, and I have every confidence in Coach Mann to take the Bears to the next level.”

— Dr. Shawn A. Smith, Superintendent of Schools (Press Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This hiring of an experienced and successful coach like Russell Mann is expected to help revitalize the Lawrence Central football program and return them to state championship contention, showcasing the community's commitment to excellence in high school sports.