[blue1424]

Chris Engstrand, who previously coached at Western Hills and Henry County, has been named the new head football coach at Fairdale High School.

Engstrand, 32, spent last season as an assistant coach at North Hardin.

“I heard nothing but good things when I talked to people in my small coaching circle (of friends),” Engstrand said. “It just seemed like it would be a good fit. I really wasn’t interested in any of the other jobs in Louisville, and it was tough to turn this down.”

Engstrand replaces Jonathan Miller, who did not have his contract renewed after posting a 35-23 mark in five seasons.

Engstrand is a 1997 graduate of LaRue County High School and a 2001 graduate of Campbellsville University. He was an assistant coach at Western Hills in 2003 and at Nelson County in 2004 before being named the head coach at Western Hills in 2005.

Engstrand posted a 5-5 record at Western Hills before being named the head coach at Henry County, where he went 28-19 in four seasons (2006-09).

Engstrand’s best season was his last at Henry County, when the Wildcats went 10-3 before losing 48-38 to Central in the quarterfinals of the Class 3-A playoffs.

Engstrand said his teams are known for running the ball.

“We look like a finesse team because we line up in the shotgun … but we like to run the ball in those sets,” he said. “That’s something we’ll try to establish from Day One.”

Fairdale athletic director Ernest Smith said the schools received 35 applications for the position and interviewed five finalists.

“He just seemed like a brilliant person when it comes to football,” Smith said. “He’s super organized, and his plan of attack is what’s really impressive.”

Fairdale will compete in Class 4-A, District Four next season with Doss, Moore, Valley and Western.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/khs/201...all-coach/

[Old Henry Man]

Good hire, but Coach E does not run the ball that much.
He loves the Franklin System and will throw it 60% of the time.
The problem working in Louisville is that coaches have to recruit 8th graders, and I do not know how much Coach E will do this.
Good luck to Chris and I will keep up with Fairdale this year.
Coach E is very organized and he practices are usually upbeat and fast.

[bigboy26]

Really? Looking at the stats on the KHSAA he appears to run it quite a bit...almost 50-50. I guess perception is a tough thing, try checking stats! I would say he did a good job recruiting the halls with the success they had, I am sure he and his staff will work very hard recruiting the youth leagues in Louisville. I know you aren't fan of Coach E, I know why...but don't speculate on things you can't accurately discuss.

[fbcoachnoitall]

Is it me or does Old Henry Man Refer to himself in the third person?

[bigboy26]

Is it me or does Old Henry Man Refer to himself in the third person?

I dont think so. He's not Coach E that's for sure!!

[bigboy26]

Just to validate my point Old Man, here are the stats per the KHSAA since 2007 for Coach Engstrand's play calling:

Rush Attempts:
2010-305
2009-352
2008-272
2007-255
Total-1184

Pass Attempts:
2010-221
2009-275
2008-228
2007-427
Total-1151

Roughly 51% RUN
49% PASS

Looks pretty balanced to me.

Looks like he calls more runs than he passes...so where's that 60%???? Do some research next time, that is just embarrassing for you.

[Coach E]

Take it easy, Old Henry Man is a good guy and means well.

[barrel]

Fairdale wanted a coach tat would throw the ball. That is straight from them. Also just looking at Stats does not tell you everything about a team. Trinity often is in the 50/50 range as far as passing rushing attempts. The thing is they often are slinging the rock around all over the place early and then running late in the game to run the clock or close it out. Often when a system guy comes into an interview they will say what percentage they are. So he might go into a game throwing the ball 60% of the time or so early and then starts running it as the defense wears down.

[Old Henry Man]

When did I say that I was not a Coach E fan?
No problem that the man likes throwing the Football. Coach E had success throwing the ball at Henry Co.
Hayden Yancey and Luke Magness put up big numbers and they got alot of wins.
Fairdale made a great hire.

[bigboy26]

You are right, stats can be misleading. Mayfeild is a system team and seem like they run the ball quite a bit. Stats can also be misleading if you throw a lot when you get behind, the same when you run the ball when your up...I guess it works both ways!

[Gocolts13]

Fantastic hire for Fairdale! Best of Luck to Fairdale in 2011! Westen will be a tough challenge, and agree with Old Henry Man, the recruiting wars will be tough for Engstrand, but he will adapt and probably be just fine. Anybody know why he left Henry? Seems like he had the program headed in the right direction for success, then just left for a North Hardin Asst. Job. Possible family issues were rumored that he had to move, but now, just over a year later he takes the Fairdale job? someone explain.

[barrel]

I believe it was stated he moved to be closer to his father because his father's health was an issue. I might have that wrong but I believe that was the reason given

[Harry Doyle]

I believe it was stated he moved to be closer to his father because his father's health was an issue. I might have that wrong but I believe that was the reason given

Father-in-law passed away. Wife is from just a bit south Elizabethtown area where Engstrand now lives. In regards to where Engstrand lives in Hardin County, the drive to Fairdale isn't much longer, if any, than the drive to North Hardin.

[bigboy26]

I've known Coach E for a while. He left Henry 2 months after his wifes father passed very suddenly. She and her mother were really struggling with the loss. Coach felt it would be best to do what he preeched and put family first. I know he struggled with the decision. Fairdale is probably less than 10 mins travel time further for him. I don't think he was interested in any other jobs...Fairdale was the only school he was going to apply to. In my talks with him he was very happy working for Coach Jaggers, but once a head coach always a head coach. Good luck coach!

Oh, and the recruiting thing....he is making some outstanding hires (couple of former NFL guys) and has a very aggressive plan for he and his staff. I think he has already been in one of the middle schools to speak with kids about the opportunities at Fairdale. He will do fine recruiting louisville! I have also heard he is going to middle school basketball games to work on some kids.

[Old Henry Man]

Good to hear.
Over the past 8 -10 years recruiting has been a major part of sports in Jefferson County.
Fairdale always seemed to be a community school, with good support from the Community.
I plan on following Fairdale next year, and may attend a game when Henry is far a way or on their bye week.