Owyhee names new football coach. He’s already won two 5A SIC coach of the year awards
A coach known for reviving struggling football programs will take over at Owyhee High in the fall.
The Storm announced Jason Burton as their next coach Monday, turning to the former Borah leader to build their young program. Burton won two 5A SIC coach of the year awards at Borah, leading the Lions to a 24-22 record, four playoff appearances in five seasons and their first playoff win in 23 years.
Owyhee planned to introduce Burton to players and parents on Tuesday night. His official hire still needs school board approval.
“Being gone the last two years and not doing it made me realize how much I love it,” Burton said of coaching. “I truly feel like that’s what I’m meant to be, and it’s what I want to do.”
Burton, 37, resigned from Borah two years ago to follow his wife, Kayla Burton, when she became the principal in her hometown, Carey. He spent the past two seasons as an assistant football coach at nearby Wood River and will finish the spring as Wood River’s head track coach.
But Burton said he jumped at the opportunity to come to Owyhee, calling the newest high school in the West Ada School District a dream job with its new facilities, growing population and administration.
Owyhee won 5A state titles in boys basketball and baseball in its first year, and its football team made the state playoffs last fall.
While at Borah, Burton heard all the stories from alumni on how they built the school’s program and traditions. He said he’s excited to do the same at a new school.
“The sky’s the limit at Owyhee,” Burton said. “More than ever, I think it’s a dream job, with all the resources and the people willing to build this school, not only as one of the best in the valley, but in the state.”
Owyhee Athletic Director Dane Roy said Burton stood out with his energy and his goals of building all athletic programs at Owyhee. Roy said Burton wants students to play multiple sports and support more than just the football team.
“He’s a great culture piece for our school,” Roy said. “He’s going to be great for kids in that way. He’s super organized and locked into what we want to do here at Owyhee.”
Burton replaces Sherm Blaser, who went 6-13 in Owyhee’s first two seasons. Owyhee did not renew his contract in November.
Owyhee is the first of seven schools in the 5A and 4A Southern Idaho Conference to hire a new football coach this offseason. Jobs at Bishop Kelly, Caldwell, Capital, Centennial, Nampa and Skyview still remain open.
This story was originally published January 10, 2023 at 12:33 PM.
