Community Sports

Peninsula football coach Filkins steps down after 30 years

Longtime Peninsula High football coach Ross Filkins announced his resignation after 30 years on Friday afternoon, Dec. 13.

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Filkins made the announcement in an email addressed to “the Peninsula Seahawk football community” on Friday afternoon.

Peninsula head coach Ross Filkins talks to his team after the 2022 Fish Bowl. Photo by Bryce Carithers

“This journey has been truly extraordinary, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and trust that the entire PHS community — parents, students, staff, administrators, and coaches, has shown me along the way,” he wrote.

Filkins confirmed to Gig Harbor Now that he will remain as Peninsula High’s athletic director and a world history teacher at the school.

“I’m very happy to continue to serve the Peninsula High School community, it’s a great school,” Filkins said. “I really look back fondly on 30 years and feel really good and am excited for the future.”

School’s winningest coach

Filkins’ Seahawks recently completed their first season in the Nisqually Division of the Puget Sound League. Peninsula finished 4-6 overall and 3-3 in league in 2024

He compiled a 183-114 record over his tenure at Peninsula, by far the most wins in school history.

In his announcement, Filkins noted that all four of his children played a role with the Peninsula football program during his decades as coach and “I wouldn’t trade that experience as a father for anything.” He also thanked his wife, Stephanie, for her support of him as a coach and of the Peninsula program.

His departure leaves both Peninsula School District high schools without head football coaches. Gig Harbor coach Darrin Reeves resigned last month after three seasons leading the Tides.

Peninsula High coach Ross Filkins speaks with other coaches, district administrators and game officials during the 2024 Fish Bowl. Photo by Bryce Carithers

Not related to lawsuit

Filkins told Gig Harbor Now his move is not related to a lawsuit filed in the wake of the 2023 Fish Bowl game against Gig Harbor High. The parents of a Tides player injured during that game sued Peninsula schools, also naming Filkins as a defendant.

“I have not been able to publicly comment on that for 15 months,” Filkins said. “But I look forward to the full truth coming out.”