Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
HERRIN — New Herrin head football coach Nathan Lieber is taking jabs from all directions.
The Carterville alum admits he’s taking some good-natured ribbing from current and former Lions coaches along with friends and family from his hometown. He’s also hearing it from some former Tigers who play played in Herrin’s 2014 win over Carterville in the 4A state quarterfinals and who are now members of his first coaching staff.
Lieber wouldn’t have it any other way.
After six years as an assistant coach at three central Illinois schools (Tri-Valley, Casey-Westfield, and Lincoln), Lieber returned to Williamson County for his first head coaching gig. He takes over a Tigers’ team that was 1-8 last year under Hunter Shockley. Herrin has not had a winning football season or earned a playoff spot since 2018 under Jason Karnes.
Lieber says he’s been impressed with the attitude and work ethic of his kids this summer. He says while the team has only a handful of seniors, they have done a great job of leading the way so far.
The Tigers will open their season Friday, August 29th at Benton.
