Football: Bill Redell returns as coach at Oaks Christian [Updated]

At the age of 72, Bill Redell has decided to return as coach at Westlake Village Oaks Christian, where he started the football program in 2000 until stepping down after the 2011 season.

Oaks Christian introduced him as its new coach on Thursday to parents and players. He replaces Jeff Woodruff, who took over for Redell for two seasons until his resignation earlier this week.

Mark Bates will be the associate head coach.

“We had the opportunity to bring him back, and he was delighted,” Athletic Director Jan Hethcock said. “We’re excited about Bill returning. There is no time frame here. I told Bill two years ago, ‘You have too much to offer. You shouldn’t be stepping down.’ He got his knee replaced. He feels good. The outpouring from the families here was tremendous.”

Said Redell: “One thing I learned by being out was to be appreciative of the job. It was a great job, and I missed it. My wife said I needed to get back into coaching. I’m very happy to be back.”

Redell won seven Southern Section titles in 12 seasons at Oaks Christian. He has said he made a mistake retiring from high school coaching. He spent 2012 coaching at Occidental College and has continued to work for Oaks Christian in the development office.

One priority will be to see if he can convince former assistant Clay Matthews to return. Mike Sherrrard will be the team’s offensive coordinator.

Redell, who has been named to nine Hall of Fames, including the College Hall of Fame, is well known for hiring top assistant coaches. His hiring should help provide some stability to an Oaks Christian team that is scheduled to move to a new private school league in 2014.

“I love it,” said Westlake Coach Jim Benkert. “He’s great for the community and great for the school.”

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com