Bishop Kelly hires new football coach. He’s already built one of Idaho’s best 5A programs
Bishop Kelly High announced its next football coach Wednesday. And the perennial 4A state power made a splash, luring Chris Culig away from Rocky Mountain.
Culig built Rocky Mountain into one of the premier 5A programs in Idaho, going 57-9 (.864) in six seasons as its head coach. He won three 5A Southern Idaho Conference titles and led the Grizzlies to state championships and perfect seasons in 2020 and 2018.
He also served as the defensive coordinator on Rocky Mountain’s 2015 state title team.
“The opportunity to coach at a private, faith-based high school has always been intriguing,” Culig said. “If you look around the country, the top schools and programs are typically private schools that are faith-based.
“There are not many schools that would have sparked my interest that I think are different or better off than Rocky. But being a private school at BK, that’s unique and interesting to me.”
Culig, 57, said he was not looking to leave Rocky Mountain. Instead, the chance to grow spiritually attracted him to the Boise Catholic school.
“This wasn’t a football decision,” Culig said. “A lot of people will say, ‘Why go from 5A to 4A?’ That has nothing to do with it. It’s the school. I know it’s the best school in the state, and the expectations are high.
“Their belief in spirituality and faith is something I want to grow in my own personal life.”
Culig emphasized the ability to build his faith at Bishop Kelly multiple times.
“Honestly, it’s a place for me to grow,” he said. “I don’t feel I’ve grown as much as I need to or should. I saw it as an opportunity for me to improve as a person.”
Culig replaces Tim Brennan, who retired in December after 27 seasons. Brennan built Bishop Kelly into a juggernaut, winning six state championships and 13 league titles while posting a 232-61 (.792) record.
Culig brings an impressive resume of his own to Bishop Kelly. The defensive-minded coach built one of 5A’s top defenses year in and year out at Rocky Mountain, a trait that will transfer well to Bishop Kelly, which is also known for its hard-nosed defenses.
He previously served as assistants at Timberline and Eagle, helping Eagle win a state title in 2009. And he spent 10 seasons at the college level with Boise State and Idaho State.
“He’s obviously got a proven record and is very successful,” Bishop Kelly Athletic Director Tim Brennan said. “He’s a great football coach, a great Xs and Os guy, has a commitment to excellence and works hard at his craft.
“He brings a lot of experience, and we’re excited for what he brings to BK.”
Culig’s departure from Rocky Mountain continues an offseason full of coaching changes. The 5A and 4A Southern Idaho Conferences will have eight new coaches next fall.
Rocky Mountain and Nampa remain the only open positions.
This story was originally published February 15, 2023 at 1:44 PM.
