A New Era Starts at Redmond with Head Coach Jason Rimkus

by Marshall Cherrington

A new era is starting for the Redmond High School football program with Jason Rimkus taking over for now former head coach, Jeff Chandler. I talked with Coach Rimkus to find out a little more about his move, what he hopes to bring to the team and what fans can expect this upcoming year.

Marshall Cherrington: What has the move to Redmond been like? So far, how has it compared to your previous coaching positions?

Jason Rimkus: It has been amazing.  The city, administration and fans are very supportive of athletics.  It is evident that Redmond understands the value that athletics, in particular football, has within its school and culture.  Redmond doesn't really compare to any of my previous coaching positions; it truly stands on its own.

MC: Why did you choose to move to Redmond and interview for the head coaching job?

JR: When you take out the personal relationships that you've created in other places and look at the school, town and job objectively; it was a no-brainer.  I'll never forget when I was at Interlake and we came to play at Redmond.  The support, atmosphere and unity on display that day by the people of Redmond was unbelievable.  I remember one of our assistants telling me, "This is what it's like now, imagine what it could be like!"  This is a football town and a town that possesses a small town feel with big time Friday night lights.  Bottom line, the support that our city and community demonstrates for football is uncommon and something I wanted to be a part of.

MC: What are your goals for the Redmond football program, short term and long term?

JR: In the short term we want our kids and community to understand how we play the game and make that the standard in our town.  I can't and won't predict wins or losses but I can tell you that by week 9 people will say, "Wow, Redmond plays a tough, passionate and together brand of ball."  From then on, that will be our measuring stick. 

In the long term, I would like to see more people involved in our program, more kids in our youth program, more fans wearing our gear and a stronger level of character within our young men.  I'm not concerned with anyone or anything outside Redmond.  I'm solely focused on who we are and what type of program and people we become.

MC: How do you plan on returning Redmond football to its glory days? After a rough past couple of years, something clearly needs to be changed.

JR: If you asked some of our seniors I think they could answer this better than I can.  I don't really know what the program was like before so I can't accurately comment.  However, I do know what makes teams successful and so we are focused on those things.  Toughness, both mentally and physically.  Commitment, both on the field and off.  Finally, love, for your team, the game and your town.

MC: What is your kind of coaching philosophy? Are you more of a player’s coach or somebody who just gets things done?

JR: I'd say I'm a mix of John Gruden and Dick Vermiel.  I'm very much a football nerd who is passionate about the science.  I enjoy tough, hard nosed, physical football and at times can be very unforgiving.  However, I am also a softy for the young men I coach.  I truly am more interested in building young men rather than great players.  I have no problem telling my players, coaches and team how much I love them. 

When putting a staff together I've found it vital to bring in men of character and different styles.  I may not reach a kid with my style but I can promise I will have an assistant that will.

MC: Will the fans see any change in the team’s offense or defense this year? Such as a faster paced offense or more of a certain formation on defense?

JR: Offensively the most obvious change will be us huddling before plays.  We also will be a full-time pistol team.  We are very much west coast-ish and downhill in our run game.  It's all about ball control, execution and physicality.  Defensively you will see a few things but done well.  We believe in creating a scheme that is simple and sound to allow our players to play with reaction rather than having them paralyzed due to over analysis.

MC: What does the team look like this year? Who are some of the play-makers that could have an impact this season?

JR: With change there is always a level of doubt or uncertainty but within a week of working with Coach Terry I think it was clear to the kids that this guy is going to make us better.  I think our team has put in a ton of work this off-season.  I know our kids would all agree that we look stronger, faster and tougher.  Coach Terry, our Head Strength Coach, has challenged our guys and they have risen to the occasion. 

As far as playmakers go I'm not really sure.  We haven't played any games yet so I guess we'll both find out who they are.

MC: What are you looking forward to most about this year? What are you most excited about?

JR: What's funny about this time in my life and career is that I genuinely look forward to observing growth and change.  It used to be about winning games, newspaper articles, recognition, etc.  That stuff really doesn't matter in life and for our team.  What matters to me is seeing guys on this team close their performance gap.  We are performing at this level but we know our potential is at a higher level and then seeing how much we close that gap between the two. 

MC: Finally, what’s your message to all the Mustang football fans out there?

JR: Thank you.  Thank you for welcoming us in your home.  Thank you for giving me the keys to the team.  Thank you for supporting our efforts and believing in our standards.  Thank you for trusting in our process and patiently observing the change.  Thank you for your hard work.  Thank you for believing in us.  Thank you for being a part of our team! Go Stangs!

Editor's note: The team starts their season tonight at home against the Mercer Island Islanders. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. Make an effort to come out and support!