Jefferson hires Webb as new football coach

CEDAR RAPIDS -- He might have something to prove as a football coach. But as an educator, Brian Webb already is a star.

"We've got 87 teachers here," Carroll Kuemper president Vern Henkenius said Saturday night. "He's in the top five, as far as quality."

Webb has agreed to become the new head football coach and a physical education instructor at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, the school has announced. The 32-year-old Cedar Falls native replaces Jim Womochil, who has taken a teaching and coaching sabbatical to join the Iowa State University football program as a volunteer coach.

"We wanted someone who has head coaching experience," Jefferson Principal Chuck McDonnell said. "And we wanted someone who has had experience at a large school."

"I just felt like the community is supportive of athletics and wants to have success," Webb said. "I went through a lot of processing (information) before I decided to pursue this job. I wouldn't have taken if I didn't feel that we'd be successful. Taking this job is not a risk."

Webb played football at Northern Iowa and was an assistant coach at West Des Moines Valley, Spencer and NCAA Division II St. Cloud State , before taking over the Kuemper program. He went 18-4 in two seasons with the Knights.

McDonnell also lauded Webb's experience with strength and conditioning, which Webb said is the key to building a successful prep football program.

"We're going to take it one step at a time," Webb said. "I am excited to be able to build this program from the ground up. I'm not a guy that is afraid of hard work. We will not cut corners."

"We tried to keep him here," Henkenius said. "I just think he wanted to move up to 4A."

Here is a press release from Jefferson:

The selection committee is happy to announce that pending board approval Brian Webb will be our new head football coach. Coach Webb comes to Jefferson from Kuemper Catholic where he was 18-4 in two seasons. Brian led Kuemper to an unbeaten Class 2A District 2 championship and a 10-2 record last fall and was named District Coach of the Year. A more complete bio of Brian is attached.

Brian has scheduled the following meetings next week to introduce himself and take questions. He welcomes all to attend.

Thursday, March 22: 7:00 pm, Jefferson Lunch Room: Players / Parents / Community

Friday, March 23: 2:00 pm, Jefferson Lunch Room: Coaches' meeting

Here is a copy of Coach Webb's bio:

BWebb Bio