Central Catholic football head coach Steve Pyne resigns, moving to Union High in Vancouver

Published 3:02 pm Thursday, February 8, 2024

Central Catholic High School football head coach Steve Pyne is stepping down from the position, the school announced Thursday.

Pyne has led the Rams for the past 21 seasons, compiling an impressive 194-53 overall record that also includes five state championships, all of which have come in the past 10 years. The Rams won the state title this past fall with a 49-21 win over Tualatin.

Before Central Catholic, Pyne coached four years at Ida B. Wells (formerly Wilson) and had a 21-17 record. His 215 career wins puts him 20th all-time in Oregon coaching wins.

“Life is a journey. Many people cross our paths and they all have an impact in one way or another. This has been my experience over the past 21 years at Central Catholic High

School, from players, coaches, parents, colleagues and administrators,” Pyne said in a press release. “These interactions and relationships have allowed our program to become one of the most successful and recognized on the West Coast. As it is often said, all things come to an end. Through much soul searching, conversations and more than a few tears, I have decided to step down as the head football coach at Central Catholic.”

With Pyne’s resignation came news of his next move: He’ll head across the Columbia River to take over the program at Union High School in Vancouver, Washington.

Union most recently won a 4A state title in 2018, but has been 22-20 since. Pyne is a resident of Vancouver, putting him a little closer to home now.

“Steve and I have worked together for a long time–21 years,” Central Catholic athletic director Laura Jaeger said in a press release. “I want to thank him, as a colleague and as a friend, for everything he has done for our football program, and the larger Central Catholic community. He put everything he had into developing a championship football program here and developing the hearts and minds of our players.”

Also during Pyne’s tenure, the Rams won the Mt. Hood Conference title 14 times and made the state title game six times, only losing once.

Pyne was named the MHC Coach of the Year six times and was named the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year four times.

Now the task for the Rams is to find a replacement.

“While I am sad Steve is leaving our community, I am excited about the future of Central Catholic football knowing Steve has left us a healthy legacy we can continue to build from,” Jaeger continued. “As the State of Oregon’s championship football program, we know we will attract a high-caliber candidate who will continue our tradition of excellence rooted in our mission and vision.”