13 minutes ago, Keith the old guy said:

Disagree. At one time he may have been a "great coach" but in my opinion he hasn't showed it at Highlands. I watched Highlands for over 60 years and have said these last few years they just don't look like a well coached team. And believe me, I have seen a LOT of high school football.

Highlands hired a guy who is in the sunset of his career. I remember back when he was hired and there were folks talking about how close he was to retirement in Georgia and how surprising it was to see him move to a new job in a new state at that point in his career. There were folks saying, "If you know Bob you know he has a lot of coaching left to do." I remember reading that and thinking "Eghhhhh I don't know about that."

It's clear that whatever edge Sphire had is fading away faster and faster. Dude is almost 70. Most guys at that age are retiring. Those who haven't retired yet are rare to begin with, and the ones who haven't retired and are still as on top of things as they were 20 years prior are even more rare.

Everything I've heard seems to indicate that Bob took this job to try and insure a career path for Hayden. From the sound of things Hayden isn't catching on quickly enough to be taken realistically as the heir to Bob at Highlands. I think this was a hopeful move on the part of AD Caldwell after the Eddie James hire backfired and the Chris Wolfe deal didn't materialize. Caldwell was hoping that hiring his good 'ol ball coach from back in Lexington would make for a grand slam hire in Fort Thomas. Half a decade and zero state championships or state finals appearances later for Highlands, it appears that his hire was only really a standing double, or maybe a triple.

1 hour ago, TylerDurden said:

Highlands hired a guy who is in the sunset of his career. I remember back when he was hired and there were folks talking about how close he was to retirement in Georgia and how surprising it was to see him move to a new job in a new state at that point in his career. There were folks saying, "If you know Bob you know he has a lot of coaching left to do." I remember reading that and thinking "Eghhhhh I don't know about that."

It's clear that whatever edge Sphire had is fading away faster and faster. Dude is almost 70. Most guys at that age are retiring. Those who haven't retired yet are rare to begin with, and the ones who haven't retired and are still as on top of things as they were 20 years prior are even more rare.

Everything I've heard seems to indicate that Bob took this job to try and insure a career path for Hayden. From the sound of things Hayden isn't catching on quickly enough to be taken realistically as the heir to Bob at Highlands. I think this was a hopeful move on the part of AD Caldwell after the Eddie James hire backfired and the Chris Wolfe deal didn't materialize. Caldwell was hoping that hiring his good 'ol ball coach from back in Lexington would make for a grand slam hire in Fort Thomas. Half a decade and zero state championships or state finals appearances later for Highlands, it appears that his hire was only really a standing double, or maybe a triple.

I cannot post enough “likes” for this post.  Spot on analysis.  

They really missed the mark when they passed on hiring Bert Bathiany. A Highlands grad who wanted the job, knew the culture, and understood exactly what Highlands football is supposed to look like and now he’s at Moeller surrounded by Division I talent. That ship seems to have sailed, and it feels like a major lost opportunity.

So the question becomes: is it time to make a move? Why not look at someone like Dan Court at Boone County or Coach Weyer at Beechwood or even  Coach Lickert at NewCath? Guys who truly understand what Highlands Football was under Coach Dale Mueller, the culture he built, and the level of accountability and pride that program was built on for years. And honestly, they’d probably do the job for a lot less than what’s being paid right now. Maybe that’s something only people who lived through that era fully understand.

I’m not a Highlands guy myself, but I know plenty of the players from the late ’90s and early 2000s, and they would love to see one of their own back on the sidelines, setting the tone the way it used to be.

All of this is said somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but the real question still stands:
How many more times are we going to hear that this team is “state championship good,” only to lose decisively in the third or fourth round?

7 hours ago, TylerDurden said:

Highlands hired a guy who is in the sunset of his career. I remember back when he was hired and there were folks talking about how close he was to retirement in Georgia and how surprising it was to see him move to a new job in a new state at that point in his career. There were folks saying, "If you know Bob you know he has a lot of coaching left to do." I remember reading that and thinking "Eghhhhh I don't know about that."

It's clear that whatever edge Sphire had is fading away faster and faster. Dude is almost 70. Most guys at that age are retiring. Those who haven't retired yet are rare to begin with, and the ones who haven't retired and are still as on top of things as they were 20 years prior are even more rare.

Everything I've heard seems to indicate that Bob took this job to try and insure a career path for Hayden. From the sound of things Hayden isn't catching on quickly enough to be taken realistically as the heir to Bob at Highlands. I think this was a hopeful move on the part of AD Caldwell after the Eddie James hire backfired and the Chris Wolfe deal didn't materialize. Caldwell was hoping that hiring his good 'ol ball coach from back in Lexington would make for a grand slam hire in Fort Thomas. Half a decade and zero state championships or state finals appearances later for Highlands, it appears that his hire was only really a standing double, or maybe a triple.

Hayden won’t have the credentials to take the reins from his father, when that time comes. 
The precedent was set when they told Bert Bathiany, “Thanks, but no thanks,” due to him not having prior head coaching experience back in 2021. 
Hayden has zero head coaching experience, so he will not be a viable candidate. 
 

7 hours ago, TylerDurden said:

Highlands hired a guy who is in the sunset of his career. I remember back when he was hired and there were folks talking about how close he was to retirement in Georgia and how surprising it was to see him move to a new job in a new state at that point in his career. There were folks saying, "If you know Bob you know he has a lot of coaching left to do." I remember reading that and thinking "Eghhhhh I don't know about that."

It's clear that whatever edge Sphire had is fading away faster and faster. Dude is almost 70. Most guys at that age are retiring. Those who haven't retired yet are rare to begin with, and the ones who haven't retired and are still as on top of things as they were 20 years prior are even more rare.

Everything I've heard seems to indicate that Bob took this job to try and insure a career path for Hayden. From the sound of things Hayden isn't catching on quickly enough to be taken realistically as the heir to Bob at Highlands. I think this was a hopeful move on the part of AD Caldwell after the Eddie James hire backfired and the Chris Wolfe deal didn't materialize. Caldwell was hoping that hiring his good 'ol ball coach from back in Lexington would make for a grand slam hire in Fort Thomas. Half a decade and zero state championships or state finals appearances later for Highlands, it appears that his hire was only really a standing double, or maybe a triple.

This is spot on.   I'm not saying there needs to be a change but a full evaluation of the program is needed.   The last 3 years and no state championship is absolutely criminal.   

Did the love fest with the passing game (13 for 28) return to bite the Birds on a foggy night, with a constant drizzle, a wet ball, and slippery turf?

15 hours ago, Hydration-coach83 said:

They really missed the mark when they passed on hiring Bert Bathiany. A Highlands grad who wanted the job, knew the culture, and understood exactly what Highlands football is supposed to look like and now he’s at Moeller surrounded by Division I talent. That ship seems to have sailed, and it feels like a major lost opportunity.

So the question becomes: is it time to make a move? Why not look at someone like Dan Court at Boone County or Coach Weyer at Beechwood or even  Coach Lickert at NewCath? Guys who truly understand what Highlands Football was under Coach Dale Mueller, the culture he built, and the level of accountability and pride that program was built on for years. And honestly, they’d probably do the job for a lot less than what’s being paid right now. Maybe that’s something only people who lived through that era fully understand.

I’m not a Highlands guy myself, but I know plenty of the players from the late ’90s and early 2000s, and they would love to see one of their own back on the sidelines, setting the tone the way it used to be.

All of this is said somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but the real question still stands:
How many more times are we going to hear that this team is “state championship good,” only to lose decisively in the third or fourth round?

Passing on Coach B was a bad move. Only reason they passed on him was because he had no prior HC experience. 

Wasn’t he the HC at Lexington Catholic for one year? If he was a good enough candidate for the mighty men of Moe you’d think he’d be good enough for his Alma mater.

10 minutes ago, Breds82 said:

Wasn’t he the HC at Lexington Catholic for one year? If he was a good enough candidate for the mighty men of Moe you’d think he’d be good enough for his Alma mater.

He got the HC job at LexCath after Highlands hired Sphire. 

Well shoot, there goes that point. My bad.

I am confused by this exchange but maybe that is how football goes this time of year when a school loses but I have heard the same thing from Moeller people who are completely irate that they got bounced in the second round of the playoffs with one of the best rosters in years and a 4 ⭐️ QB that may be a professional athlete sooner rather than later.

I guesss one man’s trash is another man’s treasure! Enjoy your off season Birds!

2 hours ago, Ky-Bred said:

I am confused by this exchange but maybe that is how football goes this time of year when a school loses but I have heard the same thing from Moeller people who are completely irate that they got bounced in the second round of the playoffs with one of the best rosters in years and a 4 ⭐️ QB that may be a professional athlete sooner rather than later.

I guesss one man’s trash is another man’s treasure! Enjoy your off season Birds!

Bathiany & Sphire are both excellent football coaches. Have known Bob since late 80s. Bert played on the Highlands team that got us in the snow, 2003. We became friends when he recruited for Lindsey Wilson. 
 

Chuck and I had both guys on the podcast. As expected, both were impressive. 
 

There is nothing wrong w/ high standards.  Both programs have set the bar high. Both programs have strong leaders. The Bluebirds & Big Moe will win on a big scale, again. 

On 11/22/2025 at 9:12 AM, sportsfan41 said:

What baggage?  If you are going to say that, then say it all keyboard warrior. 

Let's just say he would likely  require that his services come as a package deal, as is the case currently.

 

On 12/4/2024 at 2:13 PM, Bengal Boy said:

More crazy talk from the Bluebird faithful.  That ship has sailed.  This time next year Highlands will be getting ready to play in the state championship game and Coach Sphire will be the toast of the town.

Freezing cold take 

I guess everyone can be ruthless hiding behind a screen with a keyboard. By my count Highlands, Cov Cath, Bowling Green, Male, Fredrick Douglass, Elder, Moeller, Lex Cath all have lost prior to the end goal yet we have a thread about the Highlands coach. Its weak....