Kelly Will Replace Richards as Coach

Perhaps no one was happier to hear the name of the new coach than the former coach.

Bob Richards was elated with the news that Thousand Oaks High has hired Mike Kelly to replace him as football coach. Kelly has been part of the Lancer football staff for 12 seasons, the past two as a varsity assistant to Richards.

Richards resigned as head football coach in January. The school announced that he wanted to spend more time with his family and that he might be an assistant under the new coach. Upon learning who the new coach would be Monday night, Richards said he was inclined to stick around.

Kelly, who has never been a varsity head coach, said he would welcome Richards to the staff if he chose to become an assistant. He also said it wouldn’t be awkward with the former coach on the sideline.

“Bob is a man of real high integrity,” Kelly said. “He and I have kicked (the idea) around for a number of weeks, and I feel real comfortable.”

Kelly, who coached running backs and quarterbacks last season, said he has some changes in mind for the program, specifically throwing the ball more often. Richards was criticized for having an offense that relied too heavily on the running game.

Richards led the Lancers to seven Marmonte League titles and a Southern Section title in 12 seasons, but Thousand Oaks missed the playoffs each of the past three years.

Kelly, 42, graduated from Verdugo Hills High and USC. In addition to 12 seasons at Thousand Oaks, he was an assistant at Verdugo Hills while attending USC.