After three decades of dedication to Dover Schools and an illustrious coaching career, Crimson Tornadoes head football coach Dan Ifft has announced his retirement.
Ifft’s tenure at Dover is a testament to consistent excellence, amassing 247 victories at the school with an overall coaching record of 247-93—a remarkable 73% winning percentage. Under his leadership, Dover football achieved numerous milestones, including:
• 11 seasons with nine or more wins
• 3 undefeated regular seasons
• 18 East Central Ohio League (ECOL) championships
• 1 OHSAA Final Four appearance
• 7 OHSAA Regional Championship Game appearances
• 23 OHSAA state tournament appearances
• 9 Associated Press Ohio Top Ten rankings
• 1 Ohio AP Poll championship team
Coach Ifft’s teams regularly competed against elite competition, facing 115 state-ranked opponents, including 78 top-10 teams and 17 ranked No. 1 at the time of their matchup. His teams earned 22 state playoff victories and made 45 tournament game appearances. Against Dover’s rival, Ifft posted a dominant 23-8 record, a 74% winning percentage.
“The Dover Board of Education, administration, staff, student-athletes, and community have meant so much to me. I could never repay the love and support provided to me, my wife Jill, and our family,” Ifft said. “However, after 30 years, the time is right for me to pass the torch to the next generation of coaching. The Dover football program will continue the excellence that began in 1896; it has been my honor to be a small part of the 122 years of this storied tradition.”
Ifft’s impact extended beyond the field. He was named ECOL Coach of the Year 17 times and Eastern District Coach of the Year three times. In 2021, he was a finalist for both the OVAC Coach of the Year and the Cleveland Browns High School Coach of the Year. Ifft also served as head coach for the prestigious Big 33 Ohio-Pennsylvania Game in 2007 and was an assistant coach for that game in 2000 and Ohio’s North-South Game in 1996. In 2016, he was inducted into the Ohio Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
“Coach Ifft’s impact on Dover football is immeasurable,” said Dover Athletic Director Tim McCrate, who served as an assistant coach under Ifft for 15 years. “He built a program that is synonymous with success, integrity, and dedication. Beyond the wins and championships, he instilled values in his players that will serve them well beyond the football field. He is a true legend and, quite simply, a good man. I know the Crimson Tornado faithful everywhere are grateful for his years of service.”
Before arriving at Dover, Ifft spent 10 years as an assistant coach at Massillon Perry High School. A Kent State University graduate, he leaves a 45-year coaching career marked by leadership, dedication, and an enduring influence on generations of players.
Ifft, who has been married to his wife Jill for 42 years, expressed his desire to focus on his family, which includes their three children—Amber (Zac), Daniel (Kate), and Christian—all Dover High School alumni—and five grandchildren. “I feel the need to be a full-time husband, father, and grandfather. The best part about growing old is family, especially grandchildren,” Ifft said. “As much as I enjoy coaching, I need to turn the corner on my life and become a bigger part in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much so that I could live my dream of coaching high school football.”
Coach Ifft’s departure marks the end of an era for Dover football, but his legacy will remain a cornerstone of the program for years to come.
