Football: Oaks Christian makes coaching changes

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With defensive coordinator Clay Matthews committed to watching his sons, Casey and Clay Jr., play this fall for the Oregon Ducks and Green Bay Packers, Westlake Village Oaks Christian Coach Bill Redell has made several coaching changes.

Mark Bates, the school’s longtime offensive coordinator, will take over for Matthews as defensive coordinator. Former Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen, who has been an assistant coach with the junior varsity team, will take over for Bates as offensive coordinator.

Hall of Famer Joe Montana, the father of quarterback Nick Montana, is joining the program as a coach in the booth on Friday nights to offer suggestions to Clausen.

Redell insisted that Matthews will continue to attend practices, but his availability on weekends is uncertain, forcing the coaching changes.

Bates, a former head coach at North Hills L.A. Baptist, should have a smooth transition to his new position. And Clausen has worked closely with Bates during summer and fall workouts in the past. As for Montana, he adds more star power to a program that certainly isn’t lacking in big-name players or top coaches.

-- Eric Sondheimer