Roland Named Interim Football Coach

Two Ponca City High School football coaches have been relieved of coaching duties and placed on administrative leave, pending board approval. Justin Roland will serve as the interim head football coach for the remainder of the season. Roland has been a football coach in the district for over a decade and has been the defensive coordinator since 2016. Roland is a 2004 graduate of Ponca City High School and the district’s head wrestling coach.

“I feel very blessed to have this opportunity,” said Roland.

PCPS Athletic Director Joe Turner said, “Coach Justin Roland has been appointed as the Interim Head Coach of our football program. Justin is well respected and has a great rapport with our student athletes.”

As an athlete, Coach Roland began wrestling as a freshman and finished his senior year at a state champion. He was also a member of two traditional state championships and two dual state championships. While playing football for the Wildcats, Roland was named All-District three times. After graduation, he went on to play for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami. At NEO he was a two-time NJCAA All-American. After NEO, Roland continued his playing career at Kansas State University where he was a two-year starting linebacker. In addition, he was named to the honorable mention All-Big 12 team. Post-college, Roland continued on to the National Football League for four years, playing for the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Because this is an ongoing personnel matter, PCPS will not comment further on the issue.