Mike Pearson enters his first season as the head coach of the Mansfield Sprint Football program during the 2026-27 academic year. Pearson was named the program's head coach on January 27, 2026, returning to Mansfield after serving as head coach at Williamsport Area High School since 2022. A veteran coach with more than 35 years of experience, Pearson has coached at every level of football, including the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL), NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and high school ranks.
Pearson returns to Mansfield with a wealth of experience in sprint football after previously serving on the Mountaineers' inaugural sprint football coaching staff from 2011-14. During his first stint with the program, Pearson coached defensive backs, wide receivers, and tight ends while helping establish the foundation of Mansfield's sprint football program. His return brings a familiar face with extensive knowledge of the CSFL and a proven background in developing successful programs.
Before returning to Mansfield, Pearson spent four seasons as the head football coach at Williamsport Area High School. Prior to that, he returned to his alma mater, Lycoming College, as an assistant coach following six seasons as the founding head coach of the Chestnut Hill College sprint football program.
Pearson made history at Chestnut Hill College, becoming the first head sprint football coach in program history when he was hired in November 2014. Tasked with building the Griffins' program from the ground up, Pearson oversaw all aspects of establishing the team, including recruiting, roster development, scheduling, and player development. In addition to his coaching duties, Pearson served as Assistant Director of Athletics for Recruitment, working with the College's admissions office to support student-athlete recruitment and increase awareness of the institution's athletic programs.
Under Pearson's leadership, Chestnut Hill developed into a competitive program within the CSFL. During his tenure from 2015-19, the Griffins posted an 18-15 overall record and produced three consecutive winning seasons. The 2019 squad finished with a 5-2 record, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history. Pearson also coached 51 All-CSFL selections during his time leading the program.
Pearson has extensive NCAA Division III coaching experience through two separate coaching stints at Lycoming College. He first joined the Warriors' staff as wide receivers coach from 2001-08, helping the program capture a Middle Atlantic Conference championship and advance to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. During his tenure, Pearson coached 10 All-MAC performers, five D3football.com All-Region selections, and three D3football.com All-Americans, including Sean McGinley, Sean Hennigar, and Ricky Lannetti.
Pearson returned to Lycoming in 2020 as the program's running backs coach, bringing his experience in player development and offensive skill position coaching back to the Warriors.
Prior to his second stint at Lycoming, Pearson gained NCAA Division II experience as defensive backs coach at Lock Haven in 2014.
Pearson began his coaching career in 1991 at Towanda Area High School, where he served as an assistant varsity coach and head junior varsity coach. He later returned to South Williamsport Area High School, coaching linebackers and wide receivers while helping the Mountaineers capture league championships. Pearson continued his career in California, serving as defensive coordinator at 29 Palms High School before becoming head coach at Yucca Valley High School. During his time in California, his teams qualified for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs three times in four seasons.
After returning to Pennsylvania, Pearson served as head coach at South Williamsport Area High School from 2008-11. During that time, he also coached the District IV North All-Star Team in 2009 and 2011 while serving as president of the District IV Football Coaches Association.
Throughout his career, Pearson has remained actively involved in football leadership throughout Pennsylvania. He currently serves as a Pennsylvania High School Football Association State Representative, is a member of the Pennsylvania Big 33 Committee, and has served as Vice President of the PIAA District IV Football Coaches Association since 2023. Pearson has also been involved with coaching clinics and football camps, continuing his commitment to mentoring coaches and student-athletes.
A standout student-athlete at South Williamsport Area High School, Pearson earned First Team All-West Branch League honors, Blue Chip Recruiting All-State recognition, and served as team captain. He continued his playing career at Lycoming College from 1987-90, where he was a four-year letterwinner and helped the Warriors compile 36 victories, win back-to-back Middle Atlantic Conference championships in 1989 and 1990, advance to two NCAA Division III playoff appearances, capture the 1990 South Regional Championship, and compete in the 1990 Stagg Bowl, the NCAA Division III National Championship Game.
Pearson earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Lycoming College in 1991 before receiving his master's degree in sport management from California University of Pennsylvania in 2007.
Pearson and his wife, Malena, reside in Williamsport and have three children, Angelo, Beau, and Mia.
Coaching Highlights
- Named Mansfield Head Sprint Football Coach on January 27, 2026.
- Returns to Mansfield after serving on the Mountaineers' inaugural sprint football coaching staff from 2011-14.
- More than 35 years of coaching experience across the high school, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and Collegiate Sprint Football League levels.
- Founded the Chestnut Hill College sprint football program and served as the first head coach in program history.
- Guided Chestnut Hill to an 18-15 overall record during his tenure.
- Led Chestnut Hill to three consecutive winning seasons, including a 5-2 record in 2019.
- Coached 51 All-CSFL selections at Chestnut Hill.
- Served as Assistant Director of Athletics for Recruitment at Chestnut Hill College.
- Coached 10 All-MAC performers, five D3football.com All-Region selections, and three D3football.com All-Americans at Lycoming College.
- Helped Lycoming capture a Middle Atlantic Conference championship and advance to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
- Former head coach at Williamsport Area High School and South Williamsport Area High School.
- Guided California high school programs to three CIF playoff appearances in four seasons.
- Pennsylvania High School Football Association State Representative.
- Pennsylvania Big 33 Committee Member.
- Vice President of the PIAA District IV Football Coaches Association since 2023.
