Kokomo High School is excited to announce that the 12th head coach in the history of the Wildkat football program will be a familiar face. Grant Foes, who served as an assistant coach during the 2025 season, has been officially tapped to lead the program into its 104th season this fall.
A Proven Leader for the Program
Athletic Director Nick Sale noted that Foes’ transition from assistant to head coach was a natural fit, citing his immediate impact on the culture at Kokomo.
“We are excited to name Grant Foes as the next head football coach at Kokomo,” said Athletic Director Nick Sale. “Grant has already made a significant impact in our program this past season, building strong relationships with our student-athletes and earning the respect of our school community. When our program needed leadership, Grant stepped up by leading workouts, setting the standard and bringing energy every day. His experience as a college player, combined with his background growing up in a football family, gives him a unique perspective that stood out throughout our process. Grant is an outstanding teacher in our building, and I am confident he will lead our football program with passion, integrity, and purpose. We are excited for the future under his leadership.”
Principal Angela Blessing echoed those sentiments, highlighting Foes’ dual role as an educator and a mentor. Currently an economics teacher at KHS, Foes has prioritized "Wildkat pride" in every facet of student life.
“Over the past year as an economics teacher and assistant coach, he has built strong, meaningful relationships with our students,” Blessing said. “He is already laying down the foundation for a program rooted in trust, accountability and Wildkat pride.”
A Foundation of Academic and Athletic Excellence
Originally from Princeton, Illinois, Foes brings a pedigree of high-level competition and academic discipline. An all-state lineman in high school, he went on to graduate from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2025, where he was a three-time MSFA All-Academic Team member and a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Foes credits his collegiate coaches, Andrew Rode and Jordan Langs, for shaping his "plus-one" coaching philosophy.
“I was blessed to play offensive line for Coach Andrew Rode and Coach Jordan Langs at Indiana Wesleyan,” said Foes. “That experience allows for me to have a higher-level understanding about what opponents defenses are doing. It also helped me develop a plus-one mentality in everything I do; get an extra yard, finish a block, play tougher than my opponent, and do things the right way. I bring this mindset into my coaching. I want this program to have a foundation of toughness, mentally and physicality.”
The Vision: Tradition, Trust, and Toughness
Kokomo football carries a heavy tradition, including three Final Four appearances in the last 11 seasons and a trip to the state finals in 2017. Foes is ready to build on that legacy with a modern approach to the game.
“We are going to be a modern day spread offense that is focused around getting the ball to our playmakers,” Foes explained. “This scheme is tailored to put our athletes in the best position possible to score points at a high level. Defensively, we are going to play fast with emphasis on tackling, pursuit of the football, setting edges, and once again tailoring calls to our athletes. We will be great at the little details of football.”
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Foes emphasizes that his primary mission remains the development of the young men in his charge.
“I am very excited and thankful to lead this program,” said Foes. “Over my past year being here, I have made great relationships with the staff, players and student body. I am grateful for the athletic department and administration at Kokomo for putting their trust in me to continue to build a program here at Kokomo. It’s about the kids for me, and I am going to work my hardest to lead them on and off the field and make a true difference in their lives and in the community.”
Looking Ahead
It will be a busy summer for the new head coach. In addition to preparing for the season opener, Foes is engaged to Cali Campbell, a resource teacher at Kokomo High School; the couple plans to wed this summer.
The Wildkats officially kick off the 104th season of Kokomo football on August 21 against Mount Vernon (Fortville).
ONWARD KOKOMO!