Chieftains made district playoffs in all three years under Swain
Columbia River is in search of a new football coach.
Christian Swain, who has led the Chieftains for the past three seasons, met with school administrators this week and announced his resignation via social media Wednesday afternoon.
Swain said he is stepping down to pursue other head coaching opportunities. Transitioning into becoming a teacher, Swain said he is hopeful he can find a teaching job at the same school that he can coach.
He thanked his family and the Columbia River community for their support.
“This has truly been a first-class experience for our family,” he wrote. “CR had a great football program when I arrived and there is no doubt they will continue to prosper long after I am gone.”
He noted he is proud of what the Chieftains accomplished on and off the field.
“We will always have great memories of Columbia River,” he said.
“He is a good man, and we wish him well,” said Tony Liberatore, the school’s athletic director.
Columbia River is known for its stability among football coaches. John O’Rourke was the head coach the previous 22 years.
“We hope to find a young coach who will be with our program for a long time,” Liberatore said.
Columbia River went 5-5 in 2018. The Chieftains finished third in the Class 2A Greater St. Helens League with a 4-2 mark. The Chieftains made the Week 10 district playoffs in all three of Swain’s seasons.
