Football: Jason Rech steps down at Riverside-Brookfield

Updated: February 3, 2012 5:37PM

When Jason Rech replaced Otto Zeman as the Riverside-Brookfield football coach in 2010, the transition was viewed as a new era of Bulldogs’ tradition. Unfortunately, that era proved short-lived as Rech informed the Bulldogs players of his resignation for health reasons on Thursday.

According to the Bulldogs’ two-year head coach, the players were stunned but supportive of his decision.

Ironically, Rech coached his final game against Fenton (who beat the Bulldogs 20-0 last season) and Zeman, who is the Bison offensive coordinator. Of course, that conference loss to the Bulldogs’ archrivals paled in comparison for Rech to breaking the news of his departure from the sidelines.

“One of the worst things I have ever had to do,” Rech said about the meeting. “I’ve really enjoyed coaching this group of hard working kids who have given their all to the football program. All of them bought in to what we were trying to do as a football program.”

Rech, 36, who lives with his wife Colleen and three young children in Evergreen Park, had surgery to remove a malignant tumor after the holidays. After taking a leave of absence, Rech recently returned to R-B and will continue to teach physical education and drivers education.

He informed athletic director Art Ostrow of his decision last week.

“I’m not quitting,” Rech said. “I’ve been going hard at teaching and coaching for over 15 years and I absolutely love it, but I have to get myself right and take care of my family. Sometimes life throws you a curveball and I want to make sure I hit it. I can’t afford to strike out.”

Ostrow and the R-B community understand and fully support Rech’s plan to take a step off the high pressure coaching carousel.

“Frankly, I would be mad at Jason if he didn’t make the best decision for him and his family,” Ostrow said. “Jason and his coaching staff worked very hard and did a great job establishing a strong foundation for R-B football. We all support his decision 100 percent and just want him healthy. Jason has a long future at R-B and hopefully down the road if he feels up to it, he’ll coach again.”

During his two-year stint as the R-B football coach, Rech compiled a 6-12 record. While the coaching change from Zeman, who amassed a 162-114 record at R-B, to Rech was difficult for all parties involved, the latter is proud of his work.

“I don’t have any regrets,” said Rech, who played football at Mount Carmel with Donovan McNabb. “We played a very difficult nonconference schedule. Our kids learned how to play the right way and they worked hard with a positive attitude. We had 28 seniors who finished last season, and we’re proud of their commitment to R-B football.”

Is a return to coaching in the cards for Rech?

“Absolutely, I would like to coach again,” he said,” but it takes 100 percent commitment and [now] my health takes precedent.”

As for the Bulldogs’ search to find Rech’s replacement, Ostrow knows it’s a process.

“We have to see what our budget looks like,” he said. “I expect we probably will post for the position sometime in mid-to-late March. Whoever is hired whether it’s in-house or externally, obviously we want to bring in the best football coach we can find.”

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