Greg Critchett resigned Monday as football coach after five years at Class 5A Cherry Creek, Colorado’s largest school, in Greenwood Village.
Citing several reasons after what he termed “a hard evaluation” of his professional and personal situation, Critchett said it was best for him to move on, though he will remain as a physical education teacher at the school.
“There are a lot of factors causing this, including some things I can’t control,” Critchett said Monday night. “By walking now, it gives me the ability in the future to really evaluate potential jobs and my situation.
“A lot of things just came to a head. It was like walking to a cliff and looking over the edge.”
Critchett made news in 2003 when he became the suburban power’s first head coach who didn’t come from within the Bruins’ ranks. From 1955-2002, the Bruins were the state’s model big-school program with a 424-114-2 record, including 12 Colorado titles since 1982 and 34 playoff appearances. Guided by Critchett, the program was 41-17 with five consecutive playoff showings and a state runner-up finish in 2004.
A former player at Pueblo Centennial and Adams State, Critchett came to the Bruins after a stint heading New Mexico Highlands, and Bruins athletic director Randy McCall said the search for a new coach is underway.
“Greg had a pretty good run,” McCall said. “We’ll open up the position and we’re not in any specific direction. . . . We’ll try to put the best person we possibly can in the position. We’re in no rush.”
Said Critchett: “I’m leaving (the program) better than I found it. I appreciate the opportunity I’ve had and I’m open to just about anything. I want to evaluate it.”
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
