{{Short description|American politician and football coach (born c. 1976)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox person | name = Jake Gilbert | birth_date = {{Circa|{{Birth year and age|1976}}}} | birth_place = Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. | political_party = Republican | module = {{Infobox officeholder | embed = yes | office = Member of the Westfield City Council<br>from the 2nd district | term_start = January 13, 2020 | term_end = January 4, 2024 | predecessor = Steve Hoover | successor = Victor McCarty | spouse = Christina | children = 3 | education = Wabash College (BA) Purdue University (MEd) }} | module2 = {{Infobox college coach | embed = yes | current_title = Head coach | current_team = Wabash | current_conference = NCAC | current_record = 9–3 | alma_mater = Wabash College (1998)<br/>Purdue University (2001)
| player_years1 = 1994–1997 | player_team1 = Wabash | player_positions = Defensive tackle
| coach_years1 = 1998–1999 | coach_team1 = Ben Davis HS (IN) (DL) | coach_years2 = 2000–2005 | coach_team2 = North Montgomery HS (IN) | coach_years3 = 2006–2007 | coach_team3 = Wabash (OL) | coach_years4 = 2008–2010 | coach_team4 = Wabash (DC) | coach_years5 = 2011–2023 | coach_team5 = Westfield HS (IN) | coach_years6 = 2024 | coach_team6 = Wabash (Assoc. HC/DC) | coach_years7 = 2024–present | coach_team7 = Wabash
| overall_record = 9–3 (college)<br/>133–90 (high school) | bowl_record = 1–1 }} }}
'''Jake Gilbert''' (born {{Circa|1976}}) is an American college football coach, former high school administrator, and former politician. He is the head football coach for Wabash College, a position he has held since 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Gilbert '98 Returns to Wabash College as Associate Head Football Coach |url=https://sports.wabash.edu/news/2024/3/11/gilbert-98-returns-to-wabash-college-as-associate-head-football-coach.aspx |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=Wabash College}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Neddenriep |first=Kyle |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Jake Gilbert steps down as Westfield football coach, will be Wabash coach-in-waiting |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/03/11/wabash-college-football-hires-jake-gilbert-to-be-coach-in-waiting-don-morel-westfield-high-school/72935165007/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=Indianapolis Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wallace |first=Ethan |date=March 15, 2024 |title=Gilbert '98 named next head football coach, set to take reins in 2025 |url=https://bachelor.wabash.edu/2024/03/gilbert-named-next-ootball-coach/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=The Bachelor}}</ref> He was the head football coach for North Montgomery High School from 2000 to 2005 and Westfield High School from 2011 to 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carmin |first=Mike |date=April 26, 2000 |title=North Montgomery hires football coach |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/journal-and-courier-north-montgomery-hir/164657898/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=Journal and Courier |pages=13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Amidon |first=Jim |date=May 8, 2006 |title=Wabash Names Alumnus to Athletics Staff |url=https://www.wabash.edu/news/story/3533 |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=Wabash College}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Herrick |first=John |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Jake Gilbert Leaving Westfield to Join Wabash Coaching Staff |url=https://wibc.com/289939/jake-gilbert-leaving-westfield-to-join-wabash-coaching-staff/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=93.1 FM WIBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Richie |date=March 13, 2024 |title=Westfield football coach Jake Gilbert bids farewell, Miracle steps up |url=https://readthereporter.com/westfield-football-coach-jake-gilbert-bids-farewell-miracle-steps-up/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=The Hamilton County Reporter Newspaper}}</ref> He also coached for Ben Davis High School. He played college football for Wabash as a defensive tackle.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Phillip B. |date=October 8, 1997 |title=Mentor and Friend |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-mentor-and-friend/164657787/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=Indianapolis Star |pages=29}}</ref>
In addition to his coaching career, Gilbert served on the Westfield City Council from 2020 to 2024, getting elected in 2019 as part of an anti-Andy Cook wave. In 2023, he ran for Mayor of Westfield, finishing a close second with 42% of the vote. After his loss, he took his position as the head football coach at Wabash.
==Head coaching record== ===College=== {{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Subhead | name = Wabash Little Giants | conf = North Coast Athletic Conference | startyear = 2024 | endyear = }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2024 | name = Wabash | overall = 0–1 | conference = 0–0 | confstanding = N/A{{Efn|Gilbert assumed head coaching duties following the retirement of Don Morel prior to the team's bowl game.}} | bowlname = ForeverLawn | bowloutcome = L | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2025 | name = Wabash | overall = 9–2 | conference = 6–2 | confstanding = 3rd | bowlname = ForeverLawn | bowloutcome = W | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2026 | name = Wabash | overall = 0–0 | conference = 0–0 | confstanding = | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal | name = Wabash | overall = 9–3 | confrecord = 6–2 }} {{CFB Yearly Record End | overall = 9–3 | bowls = no | poll = no | polltype = | legend = no }}
===High school=== {{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Subhead | name = North Montgomery Chargers | conf = Sagamore Conference | startyear = 2000 | endyear = 2005 }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2000 | name = North Montgomery | overall = 6–5 | conference = 5–2 | confstanding = 3rd | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2001 | name = North Montgomery | overall = 6–6 | conference = 4–3 | confstanding = T–4th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2002 | name = North Montgomery | overall = 4–7 | conference = 3–4 | confstanding = T–5th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2003 | name = North Montgomery | overall = 7–4 | conference = 3–4 | confstanding = T–3rd | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2004 | name = North Montgomery | overall = 5–5 | conference = 4–3 | confstanding = 4th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2005 | name = North Montgomery | overall = 2–9 | conference = 1–6 | confstanding = 7th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal | name = North Montgomery | overall = 30–36 | confrecord = 20–22 }} {{CFB Yearly Record Subhead | name = Westfield Shamrocks | conf = Hoosier Crossroads Conference | startyear = 2011 | endyear = 2023 }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2011 | name = Westfield | overall = 5–6 | conference = 4–5 | confstanding = 6th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2012 | name = Westfield | overall = 3–7 | conference = 3–6 | confstanding = 8th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = conference | year = 2013 | name = Westfield | overall = 12–2 | conference = 8–1 | confstanding = T–1st | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2014 | name = Westfield | overall = 7–5 | conference = 3–3 | confstanding = T–3rd | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2015 | name = Westfield | overall = 7–5 | conference = 2–4 | confstanding = T–4th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = national | year = 2016 | name = Westfield | overall = 12–2 | conference = 8–1 | confstanding = T–1st | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2017 | name = Westfield | overall = 4–6 | conference = 2–4 | confstanding = T–4th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2018 | name = Westfield | overall = 4–6 | conference = 3–4 | confstanding = 5th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2019 | name = Westfield | overall = 6–5 | conference = 3–4 | confstanding = 5th | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = conference | year = 2020 | name = Westfield | overall = 12–2 | conference = 7–0 | confstanding = 1st | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = conference | year = 2021 | name = Westfield | overall = 12–2 | conference = 7–0 | confstanding = 1st | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2022 | name = Westfield | overall = 8–4 | conference = 5–2 | confstanding = 3rd | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2023 | name = Westfield | overall = 11–2 | conference = 6–1 | confstanding = 2nd | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal | name = Westfield | overall = 103–54 | confrecord = 61–35 }} {{CFB Yearly Record End | overall = 133–90 | bowls = no | poll = no | polltype = }}
==Political career== ===Westfield City Council (2020–2024)=== Gilbert was elected to the Westfield City Council in 2019, representing District 2. He defeated Bob Beaudry in the Republican primary with 60.3% of the vote and was unopposed in the general election.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Contreras |first=Natalia E. |title=Challengers topple incumbents in Westfield City Council race |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/elections/2019/05/07/westfield-city-council-election-results-incumbents-fall-challengers/1128033001/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-08 |title=Three Westfield council incumbents lose their seats |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/73660-three-westfield-council-incumbents-lose-their-seats |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Indianapolis Business Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamilton County 2019 General Election Results |url=https://secure2.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/Elections/2019G/results/index.htm |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=secure2.hamiltoncounty.in.gov}}</ref> His campaign focused on responsible city growth and building partnerships between schools and the city.<ref name=":0" />
During his term, Gilbert spoke in favor of eventually building a Monon Trail tunnel at 161st Street, while also considering alternative solutions such as a HAWK crossing system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lange |first=Kaitlin |title=Westfield City Council hits pause on plans for 161st Street Monon tunnel |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2020/03/16/westfield-city-council-pauses-plans-161st-street-monon-tunnel/4979153002/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuohy |first=John |title=Westfield officials shelve $6M Monon Trail tunnel, citing budget pressure and coronavirus |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/2020/12/31/monon-trail-tunnel-westfield-indiana-stopped/4077720001/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Anna |date=2021-01-19 |title=Help on the way: Westfield council approves HAWK System for Monon crossing at 161st Street |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2021/01/19/help-on-the-way-westfield-council-approves-hawk-system-for-monon-crossing-at-161st-street/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref> He also led discussions on conducting a traffic study to examine speed limits at trail crossings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Anna |date=2021-02-28 |title=Westfield considers study to lower speed limits at trail crossings |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2021/02/28/westfield-considers-study-to-lower-speed-limits-at-trail-crossings/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2021, Gilbert lent his support to the Woods, Robinson, Briggs Planned Unit Development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Anna |date=2021-03-23 |title=Westfield council approves Woods, Robinson, Briggs project, 5-2 |url=https://www.youarecurrent.com/2021/03/23/westfield-council-approves-woods-robinson-briggs-project-5-2/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref>
Gilbert, along with the Council, was involved in discussions about the city's State Road 32 interlocal agreement with the Indiana Department of Transportation. While he supported the project, he disagreed with the Council President that the department was violating the agreement rules.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Anna |date=2021-05-10 |title=Westfield council president says INDOT breached contract first with Ind. 32 project |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2021/05/10/westfield-council-president-says-indot-breached-contract-first-with-ind-32-project/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref>
In late-2022, Gilbert voted in favor of an ordinance establishing term limits for elected officials in Westfield. The ordinance, proposed by Councilman Troy Patton, set a maximum of two four-year terms for the mayor and city council members and three four-year terms for the clerk-treasurer, effective after the 2023 municipal elections. The measure passed the council 5–2, with Gilbert among those supporting it, but faced a veto from Mayor Andy Cook, which the council later overturned with the same 5–2 vote.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |title=Westfield Council approves term limits for elected offices despite concerns over legality |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2022/11/29/westfield-city-council-approves-term-limits-to-start-in-2024/69677728007/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |title=Westfield City Council reverses Mayor Andy Cook's veto on term limits |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2022/12/13/westfield-city-council-reverses-mayor-andy-cooks-veto-on-term-limits/69722873007/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref>
In February 2023, Gilbert and other council members were involved in discussions surrounding the loss of Bastian Solutions to neighboring Noblesville. While Mayor Andy Cook criticized the council for taking a "no-growth attitude", Gilbert stated that once the council understood Bastian's expansion plans, it acted aggressively and competitively to try to retain the company, though ultimately the project moved to Noblesville.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |title='No growth attitude': Westfield mayor blasts city council over losing Bastian Solutions |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2023/02/01/westfield-mayor-blasts-city-council-over-losing-bastian-solutions/69849309007/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref>
In July 2023, Gilbert voted in favor of creating a parks board and department in Westfield, but the measure failed 3–4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Westfield Council rejects parks department and board. What does that mean for the city? |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2023/07/05/westfield-council-rejects-parks-department-frustrating-city-staff/70361175007/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== 2023 campaign for Westfield Mayor === On January 22, 2023, Jake Gilbert announced his candidacy for mayor of Westfield.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |title=Westfield football coach, Councilman Jake Gilbert explains why he is running for mayor |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2022/01/25/westfield-mayor-election-2023-primary-hamilton-county-football-coach-jake-gilbert-candidate/6577994001/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=The |title=Jake Gilbert, Westfield High School football coach and city councilor, announces campaign for mayor |url=https://readthereporter.com/jake-gilbert-westfield-high-school-football-coach-and-city-councilor-announces-campaign-for-mayor/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2022-01-31 |title=Westfield football coach wants to be city's mayor |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/westfield-football-coach-wants-to-be-citys-mayor/531-c9e3ff66-6115-4cbf-9272-ff3c99aacb19 |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=wthr.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |title='We're dysfunctional': Westfield's government wars with itself as growth explodes |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2022/02/24/westfield-indiana-government-wars-itself-growth-explodes/8543934002/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> He cited a desire to "give back" to the city that had supported him and his family, emphasizing his goal of uniting the city government and improving synergy among different branches of local government.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /> Gilbert described himself as "not a politician".<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
Gilbert emphasized his experience as dean of wellness at Westfield High School, president of the Westfield Wellbeing Coalition, and his long record of issuing scholarships, mentoring, and engaging in local service initiatives.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />
Gilbert participated in two debates with his two primary opponents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |title=3 takeaways from the Westfield mayoral debate |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2023/02/22/2023-westfield-mayors-race-3-takeaways-from-gop-club-debate/69911445007/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Westfield Mayoral Debate |url=https://business.westfieldchamberindy.com/event-calendar/Details/westfield-mayoral-debate-877348 |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=GZ Module Pages |language=en-US}}</ref> He ultimately finished second in the primary with 42% of the vote losing to fellow Councilman and eventual winner, Scott Willis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuohy |first=John |title=Westfield mayor race: Scott Willis wins Republican primary |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/westfield/2023/05/02/westfield-indiana-primary-3-candidates-mayor-5-council-seats-open/70170620007/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Matthew |date=2023-05-02 |title=Willis wins Republican nomination for Westfield mayor |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2023/05/02/willis-wins-republican-nomination-for-westfield-mayor/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Matthew |date=2023-07-13 |title=Willis set to be next Westfield mayor |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2023/07/13/willis-set-to-be-next-westfield-mayor/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Amy |date=2023-11-14 |title=Meet the mayor: Scott Willis connects to Westfield's past and its future |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2023/11/14/meet-the-mayor-scott-willis-connects-to-westfields-past-and-its-future/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Election Results, Hamilton County, IN |url=https://secure2.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/Elections/2023P/results/index.htm |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=secure2.hamiltoncounty.in.gov}}</ref>
== Personal life == Gilbert and his wife, Christina, have three sons: Logan, Jackson,<ref name=":5" /> and Tyson.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Anna |date=2022-01-23 |title=Westfield High School football coach Jake Gilbert announces 2023 mayoral bid |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2022/01/23/westfield-high-school-football-coach-jake-gilbert-announces-2023-mayoral-bid/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /> The family previously attended the Westfield campus of Northview Christian Church, where Gilbert volunteered.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Review |first=Journal |date=2024-03-11 |title=Gilbert named Associate Coach of Wabash Football |url=https://www.journalreview.com/stories/gilbert-named-associate-coach-of-wabash-football,293993 |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Journal Review |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Jake Gilbert - Football Coach |url=https://sports.wabash.edu/sports/football/roster/coaches/jake-gilbert/938 |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Wabash College Athletics |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Ambrogi |first=Mark |date=2023-10-03 |title=Athlete of the week: Westfield QB makes strong strides in 1st year as starter |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2023/10/03/athlete-of-the-week-westfield-qb-makes-strong-strides-in-1st-year-as-starter/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Current Publishing |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":8" />
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://sports.wabash.edu/sports/football/roster/coaches/jake-gilbert/892 Wabash profile]
{{Wabash Little Giants football coach navbox}} {{North Coast Athletic Conference football coach navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gilbert, Jake}} Category:Year of birth uncertain Category:1970s births Category:Living people Category:American football defensive tackles Category:Purdue University alumni Category:Wabash Little Giants football coaches Category:Wabash Little Giants football players Category:High school football coaches in Indiana Category:Coaches of American football from Indiana Category:Players of American football from Indianapolis Category:People from Westfield, Indiana Category:Indiana city council members Category:Indiana Republicans