Byrd to coach Columbia Falls soccer team
Whitefish boys soccer coach O’Brien Byrd is swapping green and gold for red and blue.
After 12 years at the helm of the Bulldogs, the acclaimed coach has resigned to take the head coaching position in his hometown of Columbia Falls.
He applied for the opening after longtime Wildcat coach Peter Browne resigned last month. The Columbia Falls School Board approved the hiring on Monday.
Byrd says the decision came down to family and timing. He simply couldn’t pass up the chance to coach in the town where he grew up and where he is raising a family and owns a business.
“I’m coming home and it feels really good,” Byrd said.
Byrd is a 1995 graduate of Columbia Falls High School and was a varsity assistant coach and JV coach at the school in 1999.
His tenure at Whitefish began in 2003 and his career resume is deep with highlights and championships.
Under Byrd, the Dogs have won four state titles, played in six state title games and have claimed nine conference championships.
His overall coaching record is an astounding 120-32-15. Three times his team finished the season undefeated — 2006, 2007 and in 2012.
In 2012, he was awarded the NSCAA National High School Coach of the Year.
“I’ve got some great memories,” Byrd said. “I damn near teared up driving past Smith Fields last week.”
The strong state of Whitefish soccer actually gave him confidence in making the move to Columbia Falls.
“The soccer pipeline the Flathead Rapids have built, I feel proud of that,” Byrd said. “I feel proud to be able to hand over a program that can exist and succeed without me.”
“There will be many great moments of success for Whitefish in the future. That makes me feel good.”
He credits the Whitefish School District and community support for building the program.
“I’m ever grateful for the support from the administration, athletic directors Meg Olson, Jackie Fuller and Aric Harris,” he said. “They’ve been nothing but exceptional role models and leaders.”
“The community of Whitefish has been amazing. The giving nature of Whitefish and their support of the athletic programs and schools — I’ll always have family in Whitefish.”
Whitefish athletic director Aric Harris said the move made sense for Byrd.
“He’s a family man,” Harris said. “You’ve got to do what’s best for your family. I do know it was a decision that was tough for him. It’s not easy after the great run he had here. Whitefish soccer has been a big part of his life and it’s tough to leave a program you’ve been part of.”
“He’s been an incredible coach for us. We’ll miss the leadership he brought to both the athletic and soccer departments.”
Byrd says there is a lot of work to be done to get Columbia Falls back in contention.
“I’m relishing the challenge and will pour my heart and soul into the community I live in,” he said.
As for the first time Whitefish squares off with Columbia Falls next season.
“I’m already looking forward to that match up,” he said.
Bulldog soccer records under O'Brien Byrd
2003 6-5-4
2004 7-4-2
2005 7-4-2
2006 15-0-0
2007 15-0-0
2008 11-1-1
2009 9-4-1
2010 6-6-1
2011 13-2-0
2012 15-0-0
2013 9-2-2
2014 8-4-2