School in process of hiring new athletic director as Rosenbach prepares to return to the classroom as a teacher

Union football coach Rory Rosenbach is stepping down in order to take a step over so he can still have a step up in life.

Rosenbach, the school’s football coach and athletic director, will only be the AD for another three weeks.

In July, he will be leaving the administrative side of sports and going back in the classroom as a P.E. teacher at Union.

Rory and his wife Kelli Ann are in the process of adopting two girls.

“I’ve been fortunate to be a little bit selfish in my career. My family has allowed me to be a little selfish, to move or take different jobs,” Rosenbach said. “With us having two little girls, it was time for me to make a family decision, a decision to spend more time with my wife and two little girls. It was the AD or football.”

Rosenbach picked football. Oh, that is time consuming, too, but he is looking forward to being able to go home after the school day come next winter and spring. The AD often works into the evening or night all school year.

“I loved being the AD, helping with the culture of the entire school. I loved promoting athletes in every single venue,” he said.

Returning to life as a teacher, though, brings a different positive for Rosenbach. He will be in everyday contact with not just football players but a number of students. 

“I was very fortunate that an opportunity came up to teach in the building,” Rosenbach said. “I’m super excited about it. I want to build stronger relationships (with the students). I’m excited to get back in the weight room and get those relationships strong again.”

Cale Piland, the director of athletics for Evergreen Public Schools, said he is grateful that Rosenbach remains part of the Union family.

“Rory has done a great job as the AD at Union. This is an opportunity for him to spend more time at home and still remain the head football coach at Union,” Piland said. “Happy for him that he got this worked out. It’s a better fit for where he is in life right now.”

Evergreen has conducted interviews and remains in the hiring process for Union’s next athletic director, Piland said.

Rosenbach said he still expects to be at basketball games and other sporting events, but he will be there with his family, eating popcorn, enjoying time together while cheering on the Titans. He won’t be there in an official capacity.

Rosenbach has been the coach/AD at Union since 2016. As the football coach, Rosenbach is 44-16, including the 14-0 state championship campaign of 2018.

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