GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Grand Island Senior High is officially moving forward with Jeff McQuinn as the head of the school’s football program.

GISH announced Friday that McQuinn is now head football coach. He served as interim head coach during the 2025 season. Grand Island won its final two games of the season after losing the first seven.

“It's an honor to officially be named the next GISH head football coach,” McQuinn said in a statement. “I am grateful that our administration felt that I was the right choice. I am lucky to have coaches on the staff that share the same vision and we look forward to getting us back where we know we can be.”

The Islanders were a picture of consistency under longtime head coach Jeff Tomlin, qualifying for the playoffs in the final 11 seasons of his tenure. Tomlin retired after the 2023 season and was replaced by Creighton Reed. The Islanders dismissed Reed after the team went 2-7 in 2024.

“We’re excited to have Coach McQuinn continue to lead the Islanders,” Activities Director Chris Ladwig said. “His passion for developing student-athletes on and off the field is what we want our football program to continue to build on. He has brought stability to our program, and with his vision, we are excited to carry on the tradition of excellence.”

McQuinn is a strength coach at Grand Island Senior High and has been on the Islander coaching staff for 12 years. As a player, McQuinn played for Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He attended Peru State College from 2003-2008 and played defensive line for the Bobcats. Following his college career, he went on to play indoor football in Council Bluffs for the Iowa Blackhawks until 2012.