Brandon Cool retires as Kearney High football coach after 25 seasons

KEARNEY, Neb. - A consistency of 25 years unlike any other coming to a conclusion for Kearney High football.

Head coach Brandon Cool told his team on Monday afternoon he's retiring from the program after a quarter century.

He got to Kearney in 2001 and immediately made in impact, getting them to the playoffs after missing it the previous two seasons.

In fact, the Bearcats secured a bid in all but two of his years with the clipboard, earning 24 postseason victories, including the 2006 state championship and a runner-up finish in 2017.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be the head football coach at Kearney High School," Cool said in a statement. "A special thanks to all the past and present assistant football coaches. As I have said before, there is no better coaching staff in the state of Nebraska than my staff that I have had the honor of working alongside.”

The Bearcats also reached the semifinal during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. For his time on the Kearney sidelines, the Bearcats went 186-82, including the playoffs.

Kearney football players typically excelled off the field, as well. The Bearcats won the National Football Foundation National High School Academic Excellence Award four times, including last season.

"I have always been proud to say that our program has generated young men not only into student-athletes but also into individuals who will represent the community of Kearney well," Cool said.

Cool was the third-longest tenured coach in Class A, trailing only John Gingery of Lincoln East and Larry Martin of Omaha North.

“Coach Cool has built a program known for its strong tradition, sportsmanship, and excellence both on and off the field,” Activities Director Ryan Hogue said. “Personally, it has been an honor to work with coach Cool over the past eight years.  He exemplifies everything that is Kearney High Athletics.”