By Brianna Kudisch

After 11 years as the head football coach for Morristown High School, Chris Hull is ready to retire from the position.

He is leaving the position to spend more time with his family, especially with becoming a first-time grandfather in the fall. Hull joked that although they didn’t like his absence during the football season, they will soon regret his constant presence even more so.

Before coaching at Morristown High School, Hull was the head football coach at Cranford High School in Cranford. In total, he’s been coaching football for 29 years, counting this season.

Hull mentioned that the players were the biggest aspect of coaching that he would miss. Seeing them not only grow as players but also improve, was a source of joy for Hull.

“Watching [the players] mature every season and become a team is a special deal,” said Hull.

In looking forward to the future, Hull plans on helping out his son, also a football coach, coach in their hometown.

When asked about his favorite memory from coaching, Hull illustrated his deep appreciation for both the game and the student athletes he was able to work with.

“We were so blessed with great kids and parents at Morristown that I couldn’t even begin to put the memories in any kind of order,” said Hull.

Hull’s position will be taken over by John Power, who is the former Columbia High School head football coach in Maplewood.

Although Power is excited to be working with Morristown High School, he recognizes the impact Columbia High School had on his life.

“Columbia High School was an outstanding experience, and the communities of Maplewood/South Orange are excellent places to live and work,” said Power.

Power started working with the players about a month ago, mainly doing weight training and pre-season workouts.

He is looking forward to start coaching the players on the field soon and preparing for games. Power expects a positive season from a tradition football program in Morristown.

“Morristown High School and the community deserve to have an outstanding program, and my goal is to continue the strong tradition,” said Power.

Hull emphasized the positive future of the Morristown football program. He praised both Power for his skill and the players for their talent.

“The returning kids are outstanding and John Power is a tremendous coach,” he says. “I expect our players to grow by leaps and bounds under his leadership.”

Additionally, Hull mentioned the players’ reactions to the changing leadership, noting they are very positive. The players are excited and are ready to get to work.

Both coaches communicated the importance of their assistant coaches in the season as well.

Power said, “For the most part, the assistant coaches are in place and they are a highly experienced group.”

Likewise, Hull highlighted the assistant coaches’ positive impact, especially when he reflected on his career as Morristown’s head football coach.

“I would just like to thank all of the outstanding people that played for us during my stay at Morristown and also the assistant coaches who made the job such a special one to me.”