In a move that signals both continuity and fresh energy for Princeton football, the North Gibson School Corporation board officially approved Nick Beloat as the Tigers' interim head coach for the 2026 season during their May 11 meeting.

Beloat, a Princeton native and Greater Evansville Football Hall of Fame inductee, steps into the role after serving as offensive coordinator under Derek Archer in 2025. While the team finished 3-7, Beloat's offensive scheme sparked a revival—generating more yards and points than Princeton had seen in a decade. Though the reasons behind the coaching change remain unclear, Beloat expressed nothing but gratitude for his predecessor.

"I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity he gave me last year to coach under him," Beloat said. "He's a great man, and I wish him nothing but the best."

This isn't Beloat's first rodeo with the Tigers. He previously served as an assistant from 2010 to 2019, and also oversaw the program's youth football operations. That deep history gives him a unique understanding of both the community and the culture he's inheriting.

"I have a standard and belief in this program that I don't think has been here for quite some time," Beloat said. "Getting the kids out and believing in themselves is the first challenge, but I feel like we have had a great start to that with what we saw through the team last year."

Despite the losing record, Princeton was competitive in 2025—dropping two games by a combined 10 points to Washington and Mt. Vernon. A 5-5 finish was well within reach, and Beloat believes those close losses are building blocks for a turnaround in 2026. "Those losses create learning lessons and opportunities to respond," he added.

Looking ahead, Princeton's coaching staff will remain largely intact with a few new additions. Beloat emphasized his commitment to leading the Tigers in the right direction, both on and off the field.

"We have a group of guys that want the very best for these players on and off the field," Beloat said. "I couldn't ask for a better group of men to coach with."

For a program hungry to turn close losses into wins, Beloat's blend of experience, local roots, and unwavering belief could be exactly what Princeton needs to gear up for a breakthrough season.