BRODHEAD - B.J. Bockhop resigned as Brodhead-Juda football coach three weeks ago but will stay on as an assistant coach for next season.
Bockhop has coached football for Brodhead-Juda for 11 years - three years as the head coach and eight years as an assistant coach.
"I just wanted to spend more time with my family," Bockhop said. "Family is really important to me."
Bockhop guided the Cardinals to a 21-11 mark in three years, two straight Rock Valley South Conference titles and a 25th straight playoff appearance this year, which is the second longest streak in the state.
"I still want to coach and be a part of what I think is one of the best programs in the state," Bockhop said. "I have heard a lot of rumors about why I retired. It wasn't the pressure. It's about the time. You are there for six hours in the summer, setting up football camp, youth camp, passing camps and ordering clothing and equipment in the offseason."
The Cardinals finished 4-6 this season and lost to River Valley in a first-round playoff game. The Cardinals were conference co-champions along with Walworth Big Foot, Clinton and Beloit Turner, finishing 4-2 atop the Rock Valley South. Bockhop was named the Rock Valley South coach of the year the last two seasons.
Bockhop has two sons - Gabe, 8, and Bryce, 4. Gabe plays baseball and flag football.
"I missed two of his baseball games last summer," Bockhop said. "I want to be able to make all of his baseball and flag football games."
The Brodhead school board has a meeting scheduled for today and could approve a new football coach.
Bockhop has coached football for Brodhead-Juda for 11 years - three years as the head coach and eight years as an assistant coach.
"I just wanted to spend more time with my family," Bockhop said. "Family is really important to me."
Bockhop guided the Cardinals to a 21-11 mark in three years, two straight Rock Valley South Conference titles and a 25th straight playoff appearance this year, which is the second longest streak in the state.
"I still want to coach and be a part of what I think is one of the best programs in the state," Bockhop said. "I have heard a lot of rumors about why I retired. It wasn't the pressure. It's about the time. You are there for six hours in the summer, setting up football camp, youth camp, passing camps and ordering clothing and equipment in the offseason."
The Cardinals finished 4-6 this season and lost to River Valley in a first-round playoff game. The Cardinals were conference co-champions along with Walworth Big Foot, Clinton and Beloit Turner, finishing 4-2 atop the Rock Valley South. Bockhop was named the Rock Valley South coach of the year the last two seasons.
Bockhop has two sons - Gabe, 8, and Bryce, 4. Gabe plays baseball and flag football.
"I missed two of his baseball games last summer," Bockhop said. "I want to be able to make all of his baseball and flag football games."
The Brodhead school board has a meeting scheduled for today and could approve a new football coach.
