Colorado high school coach Doug Nisenson to take over Chaparral football program

Richard Obert, Arizona Republic
·2 min read

Doug Nisenson, who led ThunderRidge High School's football program in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, will be the next Scottsdale Chaparral head coach, a Colorado source told The Republic. Chaparral announced the hiring on social media late Friday afternoon.

Nisenson announced his resignation from his alma mater on social media on Friday afternoon. Nisenson played on two Colorado state championship teams at ThunderRidge in 2004 and '05.

He takes over a program that has won seven state championships.

"Aside from the amazing tradition, community support and facilities, their vision is directly aligned with mine," Nisenson said. "Building a strong program and putting our kids first in every decision we make. I am very excited to get started."

Nisenson replaces Brent Barnes, who is moving back to Oklahoma, after four seasons leading the Firebirds. In the pandemic 2020 season, he was The Arizona Republic's Coach of the Year, after leading them to the 6A state championship, despite having to cancel several games due to COVID. He led Chaparral back to the 6A final in 2021.

Nisenson began leading ThunderRidge in 2017, and in 2018 turned it around after going 3-7 in his first year. The Grizzlies went 9-3. After his team played just six games in 2020, going 1-5, the Grizzlies went 9-3 in 2021 and 11-2 last season, reaching the Colorado 5A quarterfinals, before losing to eventual state champion Cherry Creek.

"Leaving ThunderRidge was tough," he said. "It’s been a special place to me for a long time. I’ll always cherish my time there and the relationships that were built with amazing people."

Nisenson will find a team that went 3-7 last season but a strong freshman class, many of whom arrived from the Goodyear area over the summer. That freshman team didn't lose a game.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert atrichard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter@azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Colorado HS coach Doug Nisenson to take over Chaparral football