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A career in coaching nearly came to an end before it really began for former LSU and Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
In 2020 Mettenberger took over the offensive coordinator position at Hillsboro before taking the same position at Father Ryan a year later.
Those two stops ultimately led to Mettenberger joining Alabama’s staff as an Offensive Analyst and Tight Ends Assistant. However once Nick Saban retired and a coaching shuffle ensued, Mettenberger wa sleft wondering what his next step would be.
“After the Alabama stint, there weren’t any college jobs available,” Mettenberger said. “We moved back to Nashville and I was ready to sell insurance just to make ends meet.”
Fate had other plans for him though.
Just two days after moving back, the Offensive Coordinator position at Father Ryan unexpectedly opened up and Mettenberger was back in a familiar spot.
“I was lucky again,” Mettenberger said. “I stepped in, and a year later, I’m now the head coach. I’m extremely excited about the opportunity.”
Mettenberger replaces Brian Rector who spent nine years leading the FIghting Irish. Rector led the program to a 39-60 record during his tenure.
While the program saw plenty of success under Rector Mettenberger’s return is part of a bigger vision for Father Ryan’s future.
“My goal is to win the games we’re capable of winning while being hard-nosed, tough, and gritty,” Mettenberger’s said. “I think we’re going to shock some people. I don’t like to measure success by wins or losses and we’ve got a great group of kids and a strong returning core.”
To get to that level, Mettenberger has brought NFL-level experience to the sidelines, including former Titans lineman Kevin Pamphile (offensive line) and Kareem Orr (safeties).
The players are already responding to the new energy. Starting center Andrew Vick praised the coaching staff’s intensity and teaching ability.
“They bring the intensity every day and have a great way of teaching it,” Vick said. “They’re all amazing coaches.”
