Beachwood tabbed former Mount Union player and assistant coach Jonathan Gonell as its next head football coach.
“I am honored and thrilled to join the Beachwood community as the head football coach,” Gonell said. “Football is a powerful tool for teaching life lessons, and I am committed to developing our student-athletes both on and off the fi eld. I look forward to building a program that embodies teamwork, resilience, and excellence, refl ecting the values of this exceptional community.”
A native of Davie, Fla., Gonell developed his love of football as a standout student-athlete at Nova Southeastern University School, where he excelled in football, baseball, and track under the guidance of respected coach Roger Harriott. A three-year varsity letter winner, Gonell served as football team captain for two seasons, where he earned First Team All-County honors and led his team to a state runner-up finish and a top-25 national ranking.
Gonell continued his football career at the University of Mount Union, where he played in all 60 games over four years, contributing to a 58-2 record and two national championships. Under Hall of Fame coach Larry Kehres and his successor Vince Kehres, he developed his skills both on and off the field. Gonell’s athletic achievements earned him multiple all-conference and all-region honors, including First Team All-Ohio Athletic Conference and Second Team All-Region honors. Off the field, Gonell demonstrated his commitment to community service by mentoring a young cancer survivor through Team Impact, a nonprofit organization that connects student-athletes with children facing serious illnesses.
Following his playing career, Gonell joined Mount Union’s coaching staff as an assistant football coach, where he contributed to a 41-3 record, another national championship, and coached several All-Americans. He later held key coaching roles at Avon High School and Shaker Heights High School, where he served as defensive coordinator and helped guide Shaker Heights to its best record in 15 years.
In addition to his coaching experience, Gonell is a dedicated educator who currently serves as a physical education teacher at Shaker Heights High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management with a minor in economics from Mount Union and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Ohio University. His teaching experience spans elementary physical education, high school strength and conditioning, and health education.
Beachwood Director of Athletics Ryan Peters expressed his enthusiasm for the new hire.
“Coach Gonell’s proven leadership, championship experience, and passion for mentoring young athletes make him the perfect fit for Beachwood. We are excited about the future of Bison football under his guidance.”
