Sherman steps down as Cheyenne Mountain football coach

He watched as the lights went off above him in the Superdome during Sunday’s power-surged Super Bowl between Baltimore and San Francisco. Three days earlier, before embarking to New Orleans, Cheyenne Mountain football coach Brian Sherman informed Indians athletic director Kris Roberts that the power in his batteries was fading and needed a recharge.

Sherman, 53, a longtime restaurateur who owns Crystola Roadhouse in Woodland Park, stepped away from his Indians post of five years, the last two as head coach in which he went 15-7 (7-4 last season). He also spent the past 27 years coaching football and baseball in Colorado Springs, including Colorado College, Air Academy and Liberty.

“With the restaurant, I’ve had a hard time keeping up, and I didn’t want to cheat the kids,” said Sherman, who noted that he’d close up in Woodland Park at 2 a.m. and would arrive at the Indians fieldhouse four hours later. “I had been in the weight room with the kids just last week, trying to press on. I just felt like I was behind in the football part of it.”

Sherman took the reins from Roberts prior to the 2011 season. Roberts understands the rigors, after quitting coaching duties to focus on AD duties and to spend more time with his family. He's going to keep it that way too, removing his name as a possible candidate.

“When I hung it up the first time, my little guy asked if i could work less,” Roberts said, referring to his son. “I don’t think I’ll be in the mix this time.”

Roberts was surprised by Sherman's decision.

“It was kind of out of the blue," Roberts said. “I didn’t really think it was coming. Maybe I was just oblivious or maybe it was just the pace of life (that I didn't see it).

“He’s been a great coach for us and a great asset on our staff. I’m sad to see him go, but if he thinks that’s what’s best for him I’m in full support.”

The athletic director would like to see a new coach lined up by April but won't rush the decision. The players already have spring weightlifting lined up, and being a former coach, Roberts understands the need to have a coach to set up summer camps.

"I’m mostly concerned with fitting a piece and making sure we’ve got the right person," he said. "I'm not going to sacrifice and get in a rush so we have a coach by March 1 and not do my homework."

Sherman left the door open to returning to the sidelines, someday.

“I probably will coach again, and I know I’ll miss it like crazy,” Sherman said. “It was a painful decision. I love Cheyenne Mountain, its kids and administration. I had a really hard time giving it up.”

His lucky opportunity to attend the Super Bowl came courtesy of his brother, a season ticket holder for the Kansas City Chiefs, who had a connection.

“You’ve got to go if you get the chance,” Sherman said. “It was sure exciting to be there.”