Morgan surpassed Moro to become state's all-time football leader in wins

October 17, 2020 by Jose Garcia, AZPreps365


St. Johns coach Mike Morgan (in red) has never experienced a losing season. Photo by Paul Campbell/maxpreps.com.

St. Johns football coach Mike Morgan reached the top of Arizona’s football coaching victory ladder Friday night.

In the process, he passed another White Mountains football coaching legend, Paul Moro, to become the state’s all-time leader in coaching victories. St. Johns delivered the 337th win to its coach after defeating Holbrook 62-8.

“It's unbelievable,” said Morgan during the azpreps365 Friday Night Wrap Up Show on 1580 AM The Fanatic.

Morgan never experienced a losing season during his first 38 seasons as a head coach.

After seven seasons at Ganado, he took over St. Johns 32 seasons ago. The son of educators, Morgan always seems to be surrounded by a great team himself, beginning with his wife, Diana.

Another person who’s been there throughout most of Morgan’s decorated career is assistant coach Joe Garcia. Together, they helped St. Johns win six state championships in eight title appearances.

At 43 games, St. Johns also boasts the third longest win streak ever recorded in the state. That was accomplished between 1992-95, when St. Johns also became the first 2A team to win three 2A titles in a row while Morgan was at the helm.

Morgan’s sons, Vince and Clint, helped him make a couple of those state title runs while they were playing for their dad. But the winning likely isn’t over for Morgan (337-93-4 overall).

His 2020 team is currently 1-1 and is one of the state title contenders in 2A this season.