Veteran Ohio High School Football Coach Mark Solis to Lead New Albany

Solis, who led Olentangy to multiple playoff appearances, has been named the new football coach at New Albany High School.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action and competing forces of a high school football game, rendered in a bold color palette that evokes the school's team colors.A cubist interpretation of the strategic complexities and explosive energy of high school football, as a veteran coach aims to reshape the fortunes of a struggling program.New Albany Today

Mark Solis, a veteran high school football coach with a 169-86 career record at five central or northeast Ohio schools since 1999, has been named the new head coach of the New Albany High School football team. Solis previously led Olentangy to eight consecutive playoff appearances, three league championships, and a Division II state semifinal. He will be tasked with revitalizing a New Albany program that has struggled in recent years after reaching four regional finals between 2013 and 2022.

Why it matters

New Albany High School's football program has experienced a downturn in recent years after a period of success in the early 2010s. The hiring of Mark Solis, an experienced and successful coach, signals the district's commitment to rebuilding the program and returning it to a position of strength within the region.

The details

Mark Solis, who has a 169-86 career record at five central or northeast Ohio high schools since 1999, was announced on April 13 as the new head football coach at New Albany High School. Solis previously spent nine seasons at Olentangy, where he guided the Braves to eight consecutive playoff appearances, three league championships, and a Division II state semifinal in 2014. He has also coached at Hilliard Davidson for the past four seasons, serving as both defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator. Solis will be tasked with reviving a New Albany program that has struggled in recent years, going 4-6 in each of the past three seasons after reaching four regional finals between 2013 and 2022.

  • Mark Solis was announced as the new New Albany High School football coach on April 13, 2026.
  • Solis previously spent nine seasons as the head coach at Olentangy High School from 2013 to 2021.
  • Solis has been the defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator at Hilliard Davidson High School for the past four seasons, from 2022 to 2025.

The players

Mark Solis

A veteran high school football coach with a 169-86 career record at five central or northeast Ohio schools since 1999. He previously led Olentangy High School to eight consecutive playoff appearances, three league championships, and a Division II state semifinal.

New Albany High School

A high school football program in New Albany, Ohio that has struggled in recent years after reaching four regional finals between 2013 and 2022.

Olentangy High School

The high school where Mark Solis served as head coach for nine seasons, leading the team to eight consecutive playoff appearances, three league championships, and a Division II state semifinal.

Hilliard Davidson High School

The high school where Mark Solis has been the defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator for the past four seasons.

Brian Finn

The former head coach of the New Albany High School football team, who resigned after four seasons as head coach and 26 coaching in the program.

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What they’re saying

“He is a proven leader who understands how to build and sustain excellence. Coach Solis brings experience, energy, and a clear vision for our program.”

— Richie Wildenhaus, New Albany Athletic Director

What’s next

The New Albany school board is expected to formally approve Mark Solis' hiring as the new head football coach at their meeting on April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The hiring of veteran coach Mark Solis signals a renewed commitment by New Albany High School to rebuild its football program and return it to a position of strength within the region. Solis' track record of success, including multiple playoff appearances and championships, suggests he has the experience and vision to revitalize the Eagles' fortunes on the gridiron.