Esperanza football coach Bill Pendleton – one of the most respected and colorful coaches in Orange County – has resigned after six seasons but said Sunday night that he plans to remain with the Orange County powerhouse as an assistant ccoach.Pendleton said his successor has not been selected but he will coach Esperanza’s offensive line and run its respected weight-lifting program, or as he put it, “the stuff I enjoy.”

Pendleton said told the players of his decision at the team banquet.

“It was a great run and I’ve had really great people to work with,” he said. “It’s just a matter that it’s a lot less time … being an assistant coach. Just the stuff that I enjoy the most is not the head coach stuff anymore.”

Pendleton coached the Aztecs the past six seasons. He has guided Esperanza to at least a share of the past four Sunset League titles and overall record of 53-20.

In 2005, he guided Esperanza to the Division I finals, where they fell to Loyola. Prior to being the head coach, Pendleton served as the defensive coordinator for 18 seasons.

Pendleton’s move comes following the senior season of his youngest son, Jake. He said the departure of Jake also factored into his decision.

It will be interesting to see who takes over Esperanza’s program and who gets the post at newcomer Yorba Linda, which is expected to open in the fall.

Esperanza catches a big break in that the energic and talented Pendleton will still be around. So do local sports writers, who can usually count on an entertaining quote from the coach.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.