Football: Oaks Christian is set for major announcement on Thursday

Oaks Christian Athletic Director Jan Hethcock said on Wednesday that the school will have an announcement “regarding its football program” on Thursday.

Westlake Coach Jim Benkert has been having discussions with Oaks Christian about joining the program, but Hethcock said that current coach Bill Redell is staying. Messages left for Benkert have not been returned.

If Benkert switches to Oaks Christian after 26 seasons as head coach at nearby Westlake, that will have major repercussions among parents and players in Ventura County.

Change is already happening, with former St. Bonaventure Coach Jon Mack expected to be officially approved as the new head coach at Oxnard High.

Former Oaks Christian assistant Casey Clausen has started to make inroads after his rookie season at Calabasas.

What happens at Westlake if Benkert leaves is uncertain. The school still hasn’t hired a permanent principal since the retirement of Ron Lipari last June.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer