State Champion WPIAL HC Stepping Down

The WPIAL — and all of Pennsylvania high school football — has received a major shakeup in its coaching ranks.

Matt Humbert announced on social media Thursday afternoon that he’s stepped down as the Belle Vernon head coach after 11 seasons in charge. He won back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA titles in 2022-23.

Humbert left a message for the Belle Vernon community and announced that he will remain in his role as Athletic Director with the Leopards:

“HAIL MIGHTY LEOPARDS is not only a belief but a culture that is prescribed to by many Leopards. The football program has given my family and I much joy and gratification that could last a lifetime. I am indebted to the players, coaches, boosters and parents that have fostered one of the best programs in the state. HML.”

HML FOREVER pic.twitter.com/5At53QFqb2

— Coach Humbert (@BVAFootball) February 20, 2025

Humbert went 96-25 in his 11 seasons at the helm of Belle Vernon football, and while the 2024 season was a down year (going 4-6), he’s only a year removed from back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA titles.

Belle Vernon knocked off Avonworth in the WPIAL Class-3A championship games in 2022 and 2023 and advanced to defeat Neumann-Goretti in 2022 and Northwestern Lehigh in 2023. The Leopards went a combined 25-3 over the two-year stretch.

Humbert said in his resignation letter that the primary reason he’s stepping down as the Belle Vernon head coach is to spend more time with his family.

“My main reason is simple. Time. I have sacrificed much of my family’s own time to dedicate time to my football family. I have always put my program first, and I don’t have any regrets about that for the simple fact that it is a prerequisite to coaching. My family has always embraced and supported the concept and truly have been a part of the collective Leopard Football team.”

Humbert said that he will do whatever he can to ensure a smooth transition to the next coaching regime and looks forward to focusing solely on his work as athletic director.