“I’ve been preparing a long time for the opportunity to become a head football coach so that I can use this great game of football to help teach young boys how to become great men,” explained Chris Greisen, a former NFL quarterback and new head coach of the West De Pere football team. 

Greisen replaces Jack Batten, who resigned back in January. The Phantoms went 59-13 in Batten’s six seasons as head coach. This is Greisen’s first opportunity to head a program, after being an offensive coordinator at Freedom High School. He will also teach math at West De Pere. 

“The opportunity doesn’t come along very often that a head coaching job opens up in a program that has such a great tradition and winning culture as West De Pere.  Sparked by encouragement from friends, and after much prayer and discernment, I decided to throw my name in the hat,” explained Greisen. Then following an informal interview with the athletic director and principal at West Depere, Greisen knew then that he really wanted the job.

Gresien played in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. He also played in the AFL and the UFL, where he had an impressive career as a quarterback. He also runs the Chris Greisen Quarterback Academy, where he trains and teaches quarterback skills he has learned. 

“Throughout the 17 years that I’ve run my Quarterback Academy, I’ve often seen clients of mine on the other side of the field during a game.  Of course, I have all the respect and love for my clients, just like I will have for my former NDA students if we happen to play each other, but I will most certainly do everything in my power to beat them on the scoreboard,” said Greisen. 

Greisen will be saying goodbye to NDA after seven years of full-time teaching. He will miss receiving the Eucharist every morning prior to school and many of the dear friends that he’s made over the years.

“The one thing I believe in is inclusion.  I want everyone to be a part of the program, which means that if someone is willing/wanting to help, then we can find a way to make that happen,” Greisen said. “I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to lead this football program in the capacity of head coach.”