Bill Redell has decided to retire, leaving behind a quality Oaks Christian program.
Photo by Louis Lopez
One of the most colorful, levelheaded and media-friendly football coaches I've crossed paths with in the last 25 years has retired.
Bill Redell, who has led
Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) to national prominence the last 12 years, told his team an hour ago that he is stepping away.
The 70-year-old told us that he he's discussed the possibility with his wife of 46 years Cheryl over the last month. A decisive sort, Redell made up his mind earlier this week.
"It's just time," he said. "I'm not in trouble. I'm not mad at anyone. No one is mad at me. We have a real good team coming back. The cupboard isn't bare. It's just time.
"I've known coaches who have hung on too long. I didn't want to do that."
Bill Redell, Oaks Christian
Photo by David Hood
Redell has had a storied career in the game, earning entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame for his athletic prowess at Occidental. After starring in the Canadian Football League, he coached at Crespi and St. Francis before winning seven Southern Section crowns at Oaks Christian.
His career mark is 233-65-3 and the Lions were 147-17 in 12 seasons under Redell.
His team also won California's initial State Bowl Game championship in 2006.
The list of standout players he's coached there is long, including NFL quarterback Jimmy Clausen and USC senior tailback Marc Tyler, projected to be a late-round NFL draft pick.
Redell attracted big-name coaches like NFL great Clay Matthews, along with three former head coaches who were all selected Southern California Coaches of the Year by various publications.
Redell seamlessly managed the unique challenge of coaching sons of worldwide icons – Nick Montana (Joe Montana), Trey Smith (actor Will Smith) and Trevor Gretzky (NHL legend Wayne Gretzky) – all at the same time. Oaks Christian was tagged "Hollywood High" at the time and rather than fight the media blitz, Redell controlled it all with humor, honesty and calling it what it was: A circus.
He never sugarcoated wins or losses. He praised his opponents in earnest. And he answered every call. After losses, he never shied from tough questions. He seemed to always see a bigger picture, and usually with a keen sense of humor and levity.
In short, Redell has always been a breath of fresh air and he'll be missed.
Los Angeles Times columnist Eric Sondheimer has pointed to several possible replacements, including Matthews, Casey Clausen (Jimmy's brother) and former NFL quarterback and assistant Jay Schroeder.
Oaks Christian Headmaster Jeff Woodcock, who hired Redell before the school even opened, told Sondheimer: "His impact was profound. He's been a good spiritual leader for the kids and is a wonderful role model. I'm going to miss the guy terribly."
Redell said telling the players was the hard part.
"But they're teenagers," he said with his usual mirth. "We met an hour ago and I'm sure they've already moved on."
With three grown boys and eight grandchildren, he'll have plenty to keep him active. He still lives just a couple miles from the Oaks Christian campus and plans to stay involved with the school and attend games, he said.
"But not on the sidelines," he said. "I'm definitely going to miss the kids and the coaches and about 90 percent of the parents. I've had a wonderful time at Oaks Christian. I've gotten a lot more out of it than I gave. I feel fortunate to have been a part of it the last 12 years."
