After 16 seasons at the helm, one of North Carolina's most successful high school football coaches is trading the sidelines for the administrative office. Dr. Steven Wright has officially announced he is stepping down as head football coach at Raleigh's Cardinal Gibbons High School, accepting a new role as athletic director at St. David's School in Raleigh.

Wright's departure marks the end of a remarkable era for the Crusaders. Under his leadership, the program achieved a stellar 159-37 record over 15 seasons, with the pinnacle coming in 2021 when he guided the team to a Class 4A state championship. The Crusaders continued their winning ways this past season, finishing 13-3 and ranking No. 8 in the final 2025 North Carolina High School Football Massey Rankings.

In a heartfelt statement to HighSchoolOT, Wright expressed his gratitude: "I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunity Cardinal Gibbons High School has given me to lead our football program for these sixteen seasons. I'm especially grateful to my wife and our family for their patience as they endured long work weeks and their faithful support regardless of a game's outcome. None of the success we've enjoyed happens without those key people."

The transition appears seamless for the Crusaders, as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Nick Drew has been promoted to take over the program. Drew inherits a team that has consistently been a powerhouse in North Carolina high school football, competing in the competitive 4A classification.

Cardinal Gibbons, known for its strong academic foundation and vibrant athletic programs, has long been a staple in Raleigh's sports community. The Crusaders field teams across football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, track & field, volleyball, and swimming, regularly achieving state-level success. For fans and athletes alike, Wright's legacy of excellence will be felt for years to come as the program enters this new chapter.