Sdpt. educator to take BFHS football coach helm

SANDPOINT — Feeling like he was ready to be a head football coach, former Sandpoint defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Casey McLaughlin was named the new head football coach at Bonners Ferry High School on Monday.

McLaughlin has been the assistant head coach at Sandpoint for the past six years, and spent the last three years coordinating the defense. McLaughlin was awarded Teacher of the Year for 2011 at Sandpoint High School, and plans to finish out the year before heading north.

More than anything, McLaughlin is eager for the chance to run and build his own program.

“Bonners is primed to do really well and is headed in the right direction. Bonners is a football community and they fill the stands on Friday night,” said McLaughlin, calling the opportunity exciting. “I felt like I was ready to be a head coach. I’m excited to bring direction and my philosophy to the program.”

McLaughlin was one of three candidates to interview for the recent head coaching vacancy at Sandpoint High School, which went to former coach Satini Puailoa.

McLaughlin said the kids were the highlight of his tenure at Sandpoint, where football brought the chance to communicate with kids on a different level. Last year the Badger program had about 40 members, and McLaughlin plans to maximize their potential and bring the team together as a group.

“Get them to be relentless in every part of life,” said McLaughlin, noting the Badger head coach quit two games into the 2011 season and he hopes to bring stability to the program. “On the football field, and in the classroom.”

Badger athletic director Kris Knowles and the Boundary County Board of Trustees were very happy with the hire.

“We are tremendously excited to have someone with Casey’s integrity, work ethic, experience and energy as our head coach,” said Knowles.