Olney Resigns as Football Coach but May Return as an Assistant

Laguna Beach High football Coach Lyman Olney announced his resignation Monday, but left open the possibility of returning to the Artists as an assistant coach as early as next season.

Olney, who compiled a 17-33-2 record in five years at Laguna Beach, said he was resigning because he wanted to spend more time with his family.

“It’s time to take a break and reexamine some priorities,” Olney said. “I’ve got three kids going to school here and another one in junior high, and I’d like to be more involved with them while I can.”

Olney will remain as the varsity track and field coach and girls’ basketball coach at Laguna Beach, and said he’d be willing to stay with the football program next year as an assistant “if they really need me.”

“Right now, I don’t want to deal with the time demands of being the head football coach, but I might stay involved as an assistant,” Olney said.

Olney said Laguna Beach will begin searching for a new coach immediately.