2026 Getting to know new Centennial Head Coach Tyris Diehl

 

Tyris Diehl

Centennial High School

Football Head Coach

Capital University – B.A.

The Ohio State University – M.Ed.

Would you share with the readers your coaching tree? From your first job to your current job.

2018–2019 – Northland High School – RB Coach / Co-Offensive Coordinator

2019–2024 – KIPP Columbus High School – QB Coach / Offensive Coordinator

2024 – Olentangy High School – QB Coach / 8th Grade Head Coach

2025 – Whetstone High School – QB Coach / Co-Offensive Coordinator

2026 – Centennial High School – Head Coach

What were the first words you said to the team when you had your first meeting?

My first message was "Be Different!” In order to turn this program around and start a winning tradition here, we have to do things differently, talk differently, and act differently. That will lead to us performing differently.

What offense and defense will you run?

Offensively, we will run an air raid system with a pistol backfield to create a downhill running game.

Defensively, we will run a hybrid 4-2-5 defense with a three-high safety system.

What is the biggest thing you have changed with the team since taking over the program?

The biggest change has been creating competition and holding every player to the standard.

How will you go about choosing your team captains?

Team captains will be determined by the players who show up every day; lead by example—not just with their voice; and consistently put the team before themselves. Captains will be selected through a combination of the team's and coaches’ votes.

Will there be an open competition for starting positions?

There is always open competition for every position. As coaches, we may have an idea of who our guys are, but if those players do not show up every day, compete, and improve by 1% daily, another player can earn that starting position through hard work.

What is your biggest non-negotiable when it comes to playing for you?

Respect. You have to respect your coaches, your teammates, and the game of football itself. You have to love the game and give maximum effort every rep, every play, and every day. If you cannot do that, then this program is not for you.

Other Columbus City League schools have begun scheduling teams from other city leagues around the state. Will you be doing this?

There are too many great teams here in Central Ohio for us to need to schedule teams outside the area, in my opinion. Over the next few years, our non-conference schedule is already very competitive with games against Grandview Heights High School, Harvest Preparatory School, Westerville South High School, KIPP Columbus High School, and Thomas Worthington High School.

I would rather play an OCC or CBL team than travel two hours to play weaker competition.

The kicking game seems to be a weak area for many teams. What will you do to make this a strong part of your team’s game?

My goal is to recruit a soccer player that we can develop into a kicker, and we already have some promising recruits so far.

How do you keep the team motivated after a bad loss?

I always preach taking it one week and one game at a time. We will learn from our mistakes and focus on the next opportunity in front of us. Football is a lot like life—how do we respond when adversity hits? Do we fold and run away, or do we persevere and rise to the challenge?

What is your vision for the football program?

My vision is to help build young men into great men, husbands, fathers, and leaders. That is the ultimate goal. Of course, I also want to establish a winning culture built around championships, City League titles, and playoff football.

What are your thoughts on athletes playing multiple sports?

I am a huge believer in multi-sport athletes because I was one myself. I think playing multiple sports teaches discipline, keeps athletes active, and helps develop competitiveness.

Have you gone to or watched any of the UFL games?

Yes, I have watched the Columbus Aviators, of course. Whenever football is on, I’m watching.

What was the last book that you read, along with the author?

The last book I read was From Dropout to Destiny by Kevin Burrows.

Favorite home-cooked meal?

This one is tough, but you can never go wrong with salmon, Rasta pasta, and bread sticks.