The last time Ed Jenkins coached football, it was as Charleroi Area head coach in 2012-13.
He guided the Cougars to a 4-14 record in those two seasons as he tried to install an up-tempo offense and turn around the program's losing fortunes.
After his second season, Jenkins stunned the district when he announced he was stepping down as coach because of a serious heart ailment that he felt could be life-threatening.
He said he wasn't sure if he would need surgery and didn't know if he would coach again.
Jenkins walked away from the Charleroi job April 21, 2014, and was later replaced by Don Militzer.
When the Cougars open the 2015 season at home against Southmoreland, Jenkins will be back on the sidelines at Charleroi Stadium.
Only this time it will be the visitors' sideline.
Jenkins is serving as offensive coordinator on head coach Mark Adams' staff at Southmoreland.
Jenkins, who two years ago at age 38 was told by his doctor he had the heart of a 60-year-old man, said his health has improved enough and coaching without the stress of being the head coach should not hurt him.
“I'm feeling better,” he said. “It's an every-day thing. I've lost some weight and things are looking up. I'm pretty excited to be back on the sidelines again.”
Jenkins was an assistant at Southmoreland the year before he took the Charleroi job and said he is enjoying working with the Scotties, particularly the seniors.
“The seniors were freshmen when I was here before, so it's kind of exciting to see how they have matured and see what they can do,” he said. “I remembered a lot of them.”
Although he admits he hasn't followed the Cougars too closely since he stepped down, he says the first game of the season will be an important one for both teams.
“I have kept in touch with a couple of the coaches there, but it's usually family stuff,” he said. “It looks like Donnie has put the work in. They lost a couple kids, but have some good players coming back.
“That first game there will be an important one for both teams because it very well could determine who makes the playoffs down the road. It should be interesting, for sure.”
Jenkins, who also coached at Leechburg, said he is looking forward to the upcoming season.
“It feels good to be on the field again,” he said. “I'm an assistant, so there is not as much stress. I'm just worrying about the offense and we have a nice bunch of kids at Southmoreland. I'm having fun.”
Jeff Oliver is a sports editor for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-684-2666 or joliver@tribweb.com.
