New Palisades head football coach Bobby Smith had a problem.
Longtime Pirates offensive coordinator Tom Brader was going to serve in the same capacity under Smith, but Brader had to step away because of family commitments.
Athletic director Brian Gilbert went through his trove of coaching contacts, but he and Smith couldn’t make a fit.
So, the duo decided to do the next best thing – Gilbert became Smith’s offensive coordinator.
A seasoned offensive coordinator and head coach, Gilbert certainly would be a highly valued candidate for the position. He was an offensive coordinator for former Palisades head coach Kevin Ronalds for five seasons at William Allen High School, and later had successful runs as a head coach at Palisades and Whitehall. Gilbert began his role as athletic director at Palisades in 2018.
Gilbert’s decision was based on a time frame whose window began to shut.
“It was March and we had to hire somebody,” recalled Gilbert. “We talked to a lot of guys I have known through the years and hoped someone would bite on it. Bobby and I talked about me taking the job, and we both felt good about it.
“I went to administration and the school board, and everybody was good with it.”
Gilbert stated his position as offensive coordinator will be for one season. He will maintain his role as athletic director, and he stressed it is his top priority. Gilbert did meet with all of his coaches and needed their approval for him to move forward.
He devised packages for their 7-on-7 passing drills as well as their scrimmage against New Hope-Solebury.
So far, it has been a fun ride.
“I really have enjoyed it,” said Gilbert. “It has been great being around the kids and the coaches again in a football mindset. The assistant coaches will ask me what hat I am wearing each day. Most days, it is both. Coaching always stays with you.”
Gilbert has seen changes in the game, and he’ll rely on a staple from a previous stop.
“When I was at Whitehall, we were on the forefront with the RPO (run-pass option) offense,” he said. “Chris Kinane, who is now the offensive coordinator at Parkland, worked with me on the RPO. We got it going there.”
“It is now a standard that many teams try to implement.”
Gilbert has worked daily to keep everything in its proper perspective.
“Bobby is in charge,” he said. “We both feel good about our positions. We have worked to keep it real. We have known each other for a while and have a good relationship. There is a mutual respect for each other. Bobby has a lot of young players, and I want to do everything I can to help him succeed as a coach.”
Smith, who has been involved with the youth and varsity programs for over 20 years, appreciates having Gilbert on the sidelines.
“I was 100 percent behind it,” beamed Smith, who will be the team’s defensive coordinator. “Brian is a tremendous asset. Being a first-time varsity head coach is a whole different animal.
“Brian is very meticulous in his planning, and he showed me a few things. Having him here takes a lot off my plate.”
Gilbert knows there are plenty of long days ahead.
“Once I finish with football, I know I’ll have to go to a soccer or a field hockey game,” he said. “I worked to never miss a game, and I know I’ll have to work harder. But I made the commitment, and I will stay with it.”
Most head coaches usually get the itch to get back into a program after a year or two being away from the game.
Gilbert found a way to curb his desires.
“It was golf,” he said. “I would play occasionally, but when COVID hit, I played two or three times a week. I never had the desire to get back to coaching. Golf helped me to get over coaching at the time.”
Gilbert credits his wife, Tiffany, for being his biggest supporter helping him back to a coaching role.
“I asked her if she was OK with it,” said Gilbert. “She gave me my biggest endorsement. Our children are out of the house, and my wife works hard at her job. I am very grateful to her.”
Gilbert understands it may not be a smooth ride this fall. The Pirates were 2-8 last year, and they return nine seniors.
For him, though, it is all about being back in the game.
“Whatever offense you run, it is all about blocking and tackling,” he said. “The kids have a good work ethic, and there is a tight bond here.
“I feel like I am back in my element. It has been good, and we can make it better.”
The Pirates certainly have an offensive mind to help them do it.
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