Kay on transition from North Shore to Rice: 'I’ve also got to practice what I preach to these kids'

An era at Galena Park North Shore High School has come to an end as longtime head football coach Jon Kay has decided to join the program at Rice University. 

According to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU, the Owls hired Kay as their new linebackers coach.

Kay’s 27-year tenure at North Shore is best known for the four state championships he guided the Mustangs to in 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2021, three of which came at the expense of the Duncanville Panthers.

His last game was North Shore’s 28-21 loss to Duncanville in the 2022 Class 6A state title game.

“I’ve spent my entire adult life at North Shore," Kay said, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football (DCTF) reported. "I grew up on the East Side as a coach, this is home to me. I’ve also got to practice what I preach to these kids and get a little bit uncomfortable and try something new and this was an amazing opportunity."

According to DCTF, the Mustangs were already one of the best teams in Texas when Kay took the reins from his old boss and mentor, David Aymond.

In terms of state crowns, he bested Aymond, who also spent at least 20 years in east Harris County, by three.

Rice brought Kay aboard for his defensive acumen, as well as his sterling reputation in the Houston area and the Lone Star State.

Kay looks to help sixth-year coach Mike Bloomgren improve from a 5-8 overall showing last year.

The Owls, who ended their 2022 campaign with a 38-24 loss to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in the LendingTree Bowl, will make their American Athletic Conference debut in the fall.

"I’m excited to work with Coach Bloomgren and the staff at Rice," Kay told DCTF. "There will be an adjustment for me learning the college game, but I think being home in Houston will help with that.”