Jake Gilbert

Jake Gilbert (born c. 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. He was the head football coach for North Montgomery High School from 2000 to 2005 and Westfield High School from 2011 to 2023. He also coached for Ben Davis High School. He played college football for Wabash as a defensive tackle. 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. 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. His campaign focused on responsible city growth and building partnerships between schools and the city. 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. He also led discussions on conducting a traffic study to examine speed limits at trail crossings.