Over the last 20 years, basketball has been in the front seat for Sam Elsbernd.
Now, basketball will take the back seat for Elsbernd, resigning as head coach of the Holmes boys basketball program on Tuesday.
“I’m in a position right now where I have family and personal things I need to take care of and be present with,” Elsbernd said. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years and basketball has always come first, family has come second. There’s some family things I need to take care of and are a much bigger priority right now.”
Elsbernd has been at the helm for the Bulldogs the last two seasons, helping guide the program back into a positive path. In the prior two seasons to Elsbernd arriving, the team went 5-44. Over the past two seasons, they went 27-31 and won an NKAC title this past season. They’ve had a couple of players go on to continue their playing careers in college while a couple others are attending colleges to continue their education.
“Sam has always carried a deep passion for our athletic and basketball programs. He had already begun laying the groundwork for the future, with plans for a full summer program and continued development into the fall,” Holmes Athletic Director Ken Ellis said. “However, due to personal circumstances, Sam has made the difficult decision to step down from his coaching position. While this is not easy for any of us, we fully support him and understand that family must always come first.”
As an alumni of Holmes, it makes the decision even tougher for Elsbernd, but he feels they’re in a better place than when he took over day one in 2024.
“It was a dream come true to coach here, love Holmes, will always love Holmes High School,” Elsbernd said. “I’m hoping I left it in a better place for the next person that comes in. I’m happy with the progress that was made and being rebuilt a little bit. It’s just time for me to step away and catch my breath. I can’t be a half in and half out guy and the timing isn’t right to be all in on the program. The program needs more than I can offer right now.”
Elsbernd still plans to continue to teach at Holmes. He didn’t rule out coaching again in the future, but it’s just not in the plans for the time being.
“At Holmes, we often say, ‘Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog.’ Sam truly lives those words each and every day,” Ellis added.
The coach opening will eventually be posted to the Covington Independent Schools website.