Chino Hills coach Derek Bub resigns … Bechtel up next?

Derek Bub resigned as Chino Hills High School football coach on Wednesday after five seasons, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and seek a position in higher up in administration. Bub is currently the school’s athletic director.

Bub won Sierra League championships in his first three seasons and compiled a record of 43-16-1. He did not rule out a return to coaching, and even hinted at it being a certainty.

“I’m going to spend some time with family and also go down the administration route,” Bub said Wednesday morning. “I thought about it over Christmas break and wanted to see where I was at. It’s one of those thing where I have to put my family first. It just makes sense for me.

“To sit here and say that I’m never going to coach again would be a lie. It’s in my blood. To tell you I’m not going to be shaking on the sidelines next year would be an absolute fabrication. I love this game. I love what it does for kids. But for right now, I think this is the best decision for me. That’s not to say I won’t entertain anything for years to come.”

The Centennial game Bub was referring to came in 2010 with what was arguably his best team at Chino Hills. The Huskies reached the semifinals of the Inland Division playoffs that season and gave a juggernaut Centennial a battle for three quarters before falling 42-23.

“Off the field, I think we produced a great number of kids that make us proud in the community,” Bub said. “That’s probably the biggest thing that will stick with me. On the field, obviously, the Centennial game sticks in my mind and some games against Charter Oak. We had some great games in the past five years.”

Bub said the school will fly the job within the district as soon as possible, and will fly it outside the district if needed.

“I’d like to have somebody in place by the beginning of February,” Bub said. “We’ll get things going and make things as smooth as possible.”

When asked if former Colony head coach and current Huskies offensive coordinator Matt Bechtel was the favorite to take over, Bub said he wasn’t sure and it depended on the applicants.

“I don’t know if I’d say he’s the favorite because I don’t know who else is going to put in,” Bub said. “I like Matt. I like the way he coaches. I enjoyed being able to coach with him for the past year. I think he does a great job. I like everything he has to offer, but who knows who else is going to come out in the district or even outside the district.”

Aram’s take: First, let me say that Bub is/was an absolute class act. Never heard anyone in the coaching community have a bad word to say about him. He was great to work with for Fred and I. It’s not an easy drive going from the Chino Hills area to the Tribune area, but Bub always had his players available and on-time airlines for any photo opps we needed, which included even sending standouts Ifo-Ekpre Olumo and Nate Harris all the way to the Rose Bowl for our Signing Day photo shoot in early 2011. As for the open job, I kinda feel like saying “interested applicants need not apply”, but I won’t. However, the theory has been “out there” since last year that Bechtel would come over, call the offense, then become the head man when Bub made his move to admin. Looks like it’s unfolding, although I’ve heard Bechtel’s name mentioned with both the Etiwanda and Damien openings … maybe that’s why today’s news was expedited? Dunno. Nonetheless, if Bechtel does get the job, the Huskies will be in good hands and I would expect that Bub would play a role on the staff sooner than later. Good for Bechtel or whomever gets it. Talk about one great job.