SIDNEY, NE — A man who used to be in charge of the Red Raider football program is returning to Sidney to lead the team once again. 

Todd Ekart has been hired as the Sidney high school head football coach. Ekart returns to Sidney from Beatrice where he served in the same role from 2018-2020. In total, Ekart has 20 years of coaching experience with 10 of those serving as head coach.

Outside of Sidney and Beatrice, Ekart has also been the head football coach at Gering High School. 

In Sidney, Ekart led the Red Raiders to playoff appearances in 2013 and 2014. The team won a playoff game in 2013, which at the time was its first playoff win in nearly 20 years. 

"I am excited to return to a place with great kids that has outstanding support from parents, the community and the school," Ekart said in a statement. "I am looking forward to working within a prominent football program at Sidney High School."

Ekart will teach weight lifting/athletic training classes at the high school. He will also serve as the Summer weights coordinator.