Benton girls basketball coach Chris Michaels steps down after five seasons

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – A jolt rippled through the South Side of St. Joseph on Thursday as Benton High School announced that girls basketball head coach Chris Michaels is stepping down after five seasons. Michaels won’t be out of the coaching game long, as he’ll head southeast to take over the Jefferson City Lady Jays program, marking the next chapter in a rising career that’s already made a significant impact.

The decision came just two days after voters rejected Prop 2, casting uncertainty over the future of St. Joseph’s school district. Benton athletic director Brett Goodwin said the move was swift and without much warning, as he learned of Michaels’ departure Thursday morning.

“I think this is something that Chris has looked into here over the last couple of weeks with the uncertainty of what’s going on with the school district,” Goodwin said. “We lost a young man that was a South End kid and somebody that our community had a lot of support for, and really somebody that our Benton community and girls just incredibly loved.”

In his five-year tenure, Michaels built one of the most consistent Class 4 programs in Missouri. Under his leadership, the Cardinals made three second-place finishes at the state tournament, including a 24-7 campaign this past season that ended with a narrow 63-59 loss to Doniphan in the championship game.

However, his influence reached far beyond the hardwood. From supporting the special education program at Benton to investing in the South Side community, Michaels became a figure of pride and purpose.

“He came in and talked to me today and, you know, he almost felt like he was letting us down to a degree,” Goodwin said. “I tried to do my best as far as just reassurance like ‘Chris, I mean, nobody’s going to blame you for this type of a situation. I mean, you got to look out for what’s best for you and your family,’ and I think ultimately, I think his heart would have wanted to stay at Benton if we had a yes vote on Tuesday.”

Before arriving at Benton, Michaels served as head coach at North Andrew for two seasons. His new role at Jefferson City will bring fresh challenges in Class 5, where the Lady Jays haven’t captured a district title since the 2022-23 season.

As for what’s next, the search for his replacement begins, but with the district’s future uncertain, Goodwin knows it won’t be easy.

“We just don’t know what to expect moving forward. I mean, we’re really put in a tough situation. Am I hiring for one year? You know, is there a new plan? We just don’t know,” Goodwin said. "I can’t imagine that this is going to be an easy transition for us. There could potentially be more teachers and coaches that are that are taking an opportunity to look into other opportunities, and if that’s the case, I mean, we have to try and do what’s best for Benton High School, but more importantly, what’s best for our student athletes.”