Brett Hefner New EHS Football Coach

A man with ties to Central Illinois has been hired as the next varsity football coach at Effingham High School.

Brett Hefner was hired by the Effingham Unit 40 Board of Education Monday night. Hefner was one of three finalists for the position vacated by longtime coach Mike McDonald, who retired after this past season.

Hefner was recommended by a committee that included Unit 40 Activities Director David Woltman, EHS Principal Jason Fox, EHS Assistant Principal Cody Lewis and Unit 40 Assistant Superintendent Rem Woodruff. The committee has been meeting since December.

Hefner has previous varsity football coaching experience at Shelbyville, Centralia and Lincolnway Central, and has served as an assistant coach at Central A&M, Mattoon and Webster Groves, Missouri. At Mattoon, Hefner coached under his father-in-law, Gerald Temples. He is currently teaching at Lincolnway North High School in suburban Chicago where Effingham native Scott Tingley serves as superintendent. Hefner is a PE teacher at Lincolnway North and served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach this past football season.

Fox said of Hefner, "He is an excellent teacher who also can lead a successful football program. Coach Hefner has stated that he wants his program to be interactive in the community and his players to be successful not only on the field, but also as adults."

By phone late Monday night, Hefner said he plans to be in Effingham as much as possible before the school year ends and is planning to attend the Effingham boys basketball game this Friday night.

Woltman said after the hiring was announced, "Brett is passionate about education and is genuinely enthusiastic about leading the Effingham football program."

Hefner and his wife Kami have a son, Beau and a daughter, Mia. He earned his initial teaching credentials at Illinois College and his Master's in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University.

As to his football philosophy, Hefner said there is no substitute for learning proper blocking and tackling. He said a team has to have a successful running game, but if you have players who can throw and catch the football, you have to give them the opportunity.