By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Field High School announced on Tuesday morning the hiring of James Dutched as the football program’s new head coach.

Dutched takes over the Falcons for Matt Furino, who recently announced his retirement following three different stints as head coach. Furino coached from 1996 to 2007, 2012 to 2015 and 2020 to 2024. During that time, he totaled 108 career wins, which ranks ninth-most in Portage County history.

JAMES DUTCHED

Dutched has been part of the Falcons’ football staff since 2020 and began his coaching career in 2013. For the 2024 season, Dutched was Field’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.

“Coach ‘Dutch’ has been a dedicated member of our football program since 2020, bringing an impressive wealth of experience and expertise to the team,” Field athletic director Aaron Male said in a press release.

Dutched, who is also a longtime track and field coach, has held multiple football coaching roles, including strength and conditioning coordinator, quarterbacks coach and a variety of position responsibilities.

“He is deeply committed to continuing a program that builds successful student-athletes both on and off the field,” Male said. “Over the years, he has established strong relationships with our coaches, players and community, making him an integral part of the Field family. His leadership and vision align with our mission to prioritize character development, teamwork and academic excellence.”

Dutched is a high school graduate of Toledo Central Catholic and played football at the University of Toledo, earning a degree in Exercise Physiology. He obtained his Master’s degree through Kent State University and has been a Health and Physical Education teacher for 10 years, joining Field’s education staff in 2020.

“We are confident that coach ‘Dutch’s’ experience, dedication and passion for the game will lead our program to continued success,” Male said.

The Field football team finished the 2024 season with a 9-3 record, qualifying for the postseason as the No. 9 seed in Division IV, Region 13. The Falcons finished as runners-up in the Metro Athletic Conference and won the first playoff game in school history, defeating Lutheran East 24-16. In Week 12, the Falcons were eliminated from the playoffs by Mentor Lake Catholic (35-3).