Loyola hires Mike Christensen to coach football team

Mike Christensen, who successfully rebuilt football programs at Lakewood and Carson, has been named coach at Los Angeles Loyola. He takes over a team that endured highs and lows last season after Jeff Kearin resigned as coach one month into the season.

Christensen has long coveted the Loyola job. His son, Bryan, is a sophomore football player for the Cubs, and he has admired the school’s academic and athletic philosophy.

“From the start, I thought it was a great fit,” he said. “I understand the school. It’s a similar philosophy I preach daily.”

And that philosophy revolves around hard work on and off the field.

Christensen coached Carson the last four seasons, winning three Marine League titles. He coached for six years at Lakewood and also coached at South Torrance.

He says he understands about dealing with alumni and communicating with parents and players, and looks forward to the challenge of competing in a tough Serra League that includes some of the best coaches in Southern California.

And now he gets to keep in close touch with his son.

“He’s probably the most unhappy,” Christensen said.

Christensen said he hopes Loyola’s interim coach, Adam Guerra, will be able to stay with the program. He has yet to speak to Loyola’s assistants.

Carson has opened its job until early next month. Christensen said he hopes to be working at Loyola within the next two weeks.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com