After 26 seasons as head football coach at Faribault High School, Rich Oliphant walked away from the game three years ago.

But he had trouble staying away.

&uot;I missed the coaching,&uot; said Oliphant.

Not anymore.

Oliphant is back where he began his football career as a player more than four decades ago, returning to his hometown as offensive coordinator for the Albert Lea High School football team.

&uot;I’m really enjoying it,&uot; said Oliphant. &uot;Albert Lea’s a nice city.&uot;

Oliphant played quarterback for some nice teams at ALHS, leading the Tigers to the Big Nine championship as a senior in 1960.

After retiring from teaching and coaching, Oliphant lived in Iowa and taught part-time for three years. With his father, Don, being a resident of St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, Oliphant contacted ALHS head football coach Jeff Marty last spring about the possibility of joining his staff. Oliphant moved to Albert Lea this summer.

&uot;He expressed interest last spring,&uot; said Marty. &uot;The name was new to me.&uot;

But not to Chris Chalmers, a Tiger assistant and former head coach who faced Oliphant’s Faribault teams in the 1990s.

Chalmers was one of many to give Oliphant a ringing endorsement.

&uot;When I heard he was available, I said, ‘You’ve got to get him,’&uot; said Chalmers. &uot;It’s awesome. He brings a wealth of experience and credibility to our program. We’re fortunate to have Rich on our staff. It’s a nice compliment to have with Jeff.&uot;

Marty met with and sought input from his coaching staff before naming Oliphant offensive coordinator.

&uot;It was kind of a unanimous decision,&uot; said Marty.

Both Marty and Chalmers said Oliphant’s presence has already helped build enthusiasm for the Tigers.

&uot;I talked to people who saw him play, and they said he was just such a great ball-handler,&uot; said Chalmers. &uot;I think when people realize he’s on our staff, they will get excited. My dad coached against Rich Oliphant. He’s a good pick-up. You don’t get that lucky every day. Things are looking good for Tiger football.&uot;

&uot;He told me he can’t beat the bug &045; he likes coaching,&uot; said Marty. &uot;He’s got that excitement going. Someone who’s that respected and has that much experience is great for our coaching staff. He wants to help out any way he can. I’m looking forward to working with him.&uot;

Oliphant, 60, said it feels great to be back in his hometown, adding, &uot;The coaches have been great about taking in an outsider.&uot;

(Contact Jim Lutgens at sports @albertleatribune.com or 379-3437.)