After 13 years as a player and 30 years as a coach Owensboro Red Devils coach Jeff Reese has decided it’s time to step away from the game of football, thankful for his father’s help in leading him down such a rewarding career path.
Following Reese’s playing days, he wasn’t far off from his first taste of coaching in 1992. He found himself in the Commonwealth coaching at Georgetown College where his role was to organize the scout teams—something he took a lot of pride in.
“I was very appreciative that then Head Coach Kevin Donley allowed me some creative license to run the scout team and actually try to attack our starting defense rather than just run a carefully planned script of plays,” Reese said. “It was a huge win when the scout offense would have a successful play and we’d hear Defensive Coordinator, Ernie Hornung, angrily yell, ‘Run it again’. We’d always run it again, get crushed, and Coach Hornung would still let the defense feel his wrath. Nonetheless, a true victory for the scout-teamers.”
Years after his first coaching job with the Tigers Reese had made his way to Allen Co-Scottsville. Following his time there, Reese felt that Owensboro High School and Joe Prince had presented the best fit for him and his family. Then, the rest was history.
“Coach Prince had begun the process of re-elevating the football program, and I trusted his vision for the future,” Reese said. “He has been, and always will be a trusted friend, and I hope OHS appreciates what he did for this program and school. I’ve had other opportunities to serve in other roles in both the high school and college ranks, but I’ve always been happy here. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside men who work tirelessly and selflessly to provide the best experience possible for our athletes, and it’s not easy to walk away from that. I challenge anyone to find a coaching staff that does more for their players than the OHS Football staff.”
Reese became a part of this impressive coaching staff long after his time on the gridiron as a player, but with such a love for football, he knew that in the end the locker room and under the Friday night lights is where he belonged.
A huge contributor to that realization was his father, who helped him not only introduce the game of football to him, but helped him grow right by his side.
“I think most who play and love the game as much as I do want to remain a part of it in whatever way possible, and coaching is the next best thing once the playing days reach their end,” Reese said. “But, too, I am most comfortable in the locker room. I grew up in a football coaching family, and it’s a way of life that just sort of takes you over. I played for my father, and football has always been one of our common bonds. His voice echoes inside my head with every coaching decision I’ve ever made. “
Seeing the influence that his father had on young men’s lives and what good he was able to do from that platform, Reese was deeply impacted and knew that he too was meant for a similar path.
“In some ways it was hard for me to envision a life any different, or more important,” Reese said. “I also got to watch his teams win— and win big—and that exhilaration is unlike anything I can describe. I’ll miss sharing that part of my life with him, and his Friday phone calls asking, ‘Well, you think they’re ready?’ Football has been a part of my family as long as my conscious memory can recall, and it can be a soul crushing existence at times, but there isn’t a single day I’d trade for any of it. I am blessed to have been in it as long as I have.”
In those same regards, Reese has had countless memories on the football field over just past four decades and while he can’t name them all at once. But being able to coach alongside his dad is one that he will never forget.
“This is a tough question,” Reese said. “I could write volumes on the memories I have enjoyed and endured since 1992, and, in time, I just might. For now, I have the privilege of time to reflect, and as I’ve looked back, I think a lot about the ‘lasts.’ The last time I experienced something. Last gameplan, last practice, or the last game. That sort of thing. I was fortunate enough to get to coach alongside my father in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, and I can vividly remember walking off the field with him for the last time after losing to a formidable Beechwood team. It was an emotional walk off the field that night, and is even more emotional for me now.”
Reese said that there were a number of personal reasons that made him feel like it was time to walk away, but that it ultimately came down to two factors—control and timing.
“There were a variety of personal reasons why I felt walking away now was best, but it ultimately came down to two factors: control and timing,” Reese said. “I control how I get to leave. I control when I leave. I control the terms of what happens next. Some coaches aren’t afforded that luxury. It is also a good time for me and for OHS Football. Coach Fallin and staff have done a masterful job of creating a culture of competitiveness and integrity, and I am confident that while my contributions are appreciated, the program is in a place that will breed success for years to come. Also, I’m still young enough to try something outside the arena. If I were to wait another 5 years, I may not have the mental energy to want to try something different. So, I’m taking a leap of faith to see what the good Lord wants to do with me.”
Reese knew coming into this year that his coaching career was coming to an end in the near future, so he looked at the season much differently than in the past.
“First, reflective,” Reese said. “In my heart, I knew this was going to be my last season. So, I viewed a lot of things alongside the Ghost of Football Seasons Past. The game has changed so much in my time, and there was never a day that I didn’t think to myself ‘wow, I can remember when’ and reflect on what was different from long ago. Second, it was unique. I thought I had seen it all by 2020 with all the COVID issues, but 2021 proved to have some more oddities in store.”
There were a number of things that Reese wanted to have accomplished as a coach—such as winning a state championship—but the long-tenured Red Devil said that given the high standard of integrity, compassion, attention to detail, and thorough preparation he gave to his teams, he can sleep at night with what he’s been able to contribute.
And while there is a long list of people that have had a positive impact on his career, Reese just can’t name them all. However, he wants each and every player, coach and friends to know just how much they and the game of football have impacted his life.
“In truth, there’s lots I wish I could add, scores of players I’d like to thank, and numerous friends from all over that I’d like to pay gratitude to,” Reese said. “What a blessing this sport, this program, and this community have been for me. I’m really lucky to have found my home here.”
