2 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

I would say when you lose one of the best coaches in NKY, who literally built that program from the ground up. That it would have an impact, as you knew he would get the most out of his teams. We shall see what happens next with the Cooper program, and who they hire, as they will have big shoes to fill. 

I definitely agree the new coach will have big shoes to fill. 

1 hour ago, theguru said:

Well, that certainly adds on to the "what is going on at Cooper" discussion.

9 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

Well, that certainly adds on to the "what is going on at Cooper" discussion.

I am sure many people think that.  With that said, I am told Coach Borchers took a higher paying job in Kenton County so on some level I would say nothing to see here. ?‍♂️

48 minutes ago, theguru said:

In what way(s)?

I think it solidifies the sinking ship feeling that the administration seems hell bent on building.

26 minutes ago, theguru said:

I am sure many people think that.  With that said, I am told Coach Borchers took a higher paying job in Kenton County so on some level I would say nothing to see here. ?‍♂️

Hope he goes to SK and coaches the defense!

30 minutes ago, Three Blind Mice said:

I think it solidifies the sinking ship feeling that the administration seems hell bent on building.

I don't see it that way.  I think most of the "issues" at Cooper have been connected to the AD and Principal.  The AD is moving on and that only leaves the Principal.  If Cooper gets rid of the Principal they have an opportunity for a reset.  So rather than a sinking feeling, it could be seen as a sign of hope. 

47 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Hope he goes to SK and coaches the defense!

Ha ha, I doubt he is leaving his own program to join someone else's and make less money. I am sure SK's defense will be in good shape this year with whoever is leading the way. 

1 hour ago, theguru said:

I don't see it that way.  I think most of the "issues" at Cooper have been connected to the AD and Principal.  The AD is moving on and that only leaves the Principal.  If Cooper gets rid of the Principal they have an opportunity for a reset.  So rather than a sinking feeling, it could be seen as a sign of hope. 

I would think several NKY schools would be happy to have the success Cooper has enjoyed athletically since its inception. 

1 hour ago, AvidSportsJunkie856 said:

Ha ha, I doubt he is leaving his own program to join someone else's and make less money. I am sure SK's defense will be in good shape this year with whoever is leading the way. 

He took a job in Kenton County to make more money!

2 hours ago, theguru said:

I don't see it that way.  I think most of the "issues" at Cooper have been connected to the AD and Principal.  The AD is moving on and that only leaves the Principal.  If Cooper gets rid of the Principal they have an opportunity for a reset.  So rather than a sinking feeling, it could be seen as a sign of hope. 

Sounds like a retirement positioning move. We have seen this a couple times or more the past few years. In KY teacher's retirement, you want to get the highest salary you can the last three years before retirement. It is a big boost to the pension check received when you retire.

Just now, Voice of Reason said:

Sounds like a retirement positioning move. We have seen this a couple times or more the past few years. In KY teacher's retirement, you want to get the highest salary you can the last three years before retirement. It is a big boost to the pension check received when you retire.

That and a job Coach Borchers can work for a decade (or more) without all the pressure and responsibilities of a head football coach at a top school. 

Steve Stanton commented about it on Facebook:

Let’s be honest here!
Probably the worst hated coach in northern Kentucky history, and one of the worst coaches!
Two years ago he had the best football team that’s probably ever been assembled in northern Kentucky maybe even in Kentucky! And he still couldn’t even win the big one! They went against a team that had a lot off talent but still not as much as we had, but he still couldn’t pull a win out because he just got out coached! Period! The fact he is leaving is because he would have to actually coach this year! Bye Felicia! Cooper parents are so lucky to get a fresh start with a new coach!
Hope the new coach cares more about the players than the last one did!!

==============

For context, here is what Mr. Stanton had to say about Coach Borchers last year:

https://bluegrasspreps.com/forums/topic/250498-2025-cooper-jaguars/page/3/#comment-5179082

Generally unfamiliar with the scoop on anything football related. However, this Steve Stanton was an interesting character to say the least. 

Here is a comment on Facebook from Coach Pence the Head Coach at Walton-Verona who was a longtime assistant at Cooper:

I want to take a moment to recognize and thank Coach Borchers for everything he has done over his many years of coaching, and everything he has done for me!

Coach Borchers coached me for all four years when I was in high school, back when he was a young assistant. Even then, he was one of the hardest workers on the staff and stayed loyal through some tough years. In my time as a player, only two coaches remained after those first three seasons—and he was one of them. He stuck it out and played a major role in helping turn the program around. Not many young coaches would do that, but that’s who he was then—and still is now.

Did he yell at me and push me? Absolutely. Did that mean he didn’t care? Not at all. I still remember walking off the field after my senior year playoff loss. As tough as that moment was, he put his arm around me and talked me through it. That’s something I’ve never forgotten.

That relationship didn’t end after I graduated. Even if time passed while I was in college, any time I reached out for help or had questions, he was always there. Then, ten years later, he reached out to me to come coach with him and helped put me on a path toward becoming a head coach—something I had always wanted to do.

I learned a lot from him as a coach, but even more as a person. What most people don’t see is everything he has done behind the scenes to build Cooper into a first-class program. The long nights, the sacrifices, the time away from his family—he did it all to make sure things were done the right way.

Anyone who truly knows him knows he would do anything to help someone else. He’s not someone who seeks attention or recognition—he just does the work because that’s who he is.

As coaches, we all understand there will always be opinions, criticism, and people who disagree. That comes with the job. But a lot of what has been said over the last couple of years simply doesn’t reflect who he truly is, and I’ll leave it at that, as I am not looking to get in a back and forth with anyone who may disagree. 

When you talk to high school football coaches across Northern Kentucky, there’s a common theme—Randy Borchers is one of the best and most respected coaches around. One of the biggest compliments I’ve always heard is that his teams consistently played their best football at the end of the season, regardless of talent. That’s the mark of a great coach.

While some may welcome change, I think people will quickly realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Coach Borchers built the Cooper program from the ground up. Within five years, they were playing for a state title. Two years later, they were back in the state semifinals, and competing in 6A, they were just one play away from another regional title. In just 18 years of existence—three state title appearances and four regional championships. That’s an incredible run, and one that will be hard to match.

Coach, congratulations on an amazing career. Thank you for everything you’ve done—for your players, your coaches, and the entire community. Just know there are many more than not, who truly appreciate everything you have done!

Love ya coach! Enjoy some well-deserved time with your family and your soon-to-arrive grandchild.

 

I had nothing but good interactions with Coach Borchers. I wish him nothing but the best.