Football – Jim Portela Resigns as Red Bank Catholic Head Coach

Jim Portela has resigned after seven seasons as Red Bank Catholic head coach, he told Shore Sports Network on Thursday afternoon.

"I got an opportunity in my professional life and I have decided to pursue it," Portela said. "I was in finance before I started coaching football full time but I was still doing some consulting work. I had to make a decision. I did both for a long time but at my age I don't feel like I can do both anymore. I felt an opportunity like this might not come up again."

Portela went 63-13 from 2009 through 2015 as the Caseys emerged as one of the top programs in the Shore Conference. RBC won five division titles during his tenure, including a banner 2014 season that saw the Caseys end a 38-year title drought by capturing the NJSIAA Non-Public Group III title, the first state title for a Shore Conference parochial school since 1980.

Portela is also a teacher at RBC where he taught accounting, financial literacy, economics and leadership. He is also the athletic coordinator.

"There's not one part of the job I don't love," Portela said. "I love being around the kids and in the weight room, I love being a teacher in the school. I certainly love Friday nights. I'm going to miss it terribly."

Portela said he will remain on as interim head coach until his contract expires on June 15  as athletic director Joe Montano goes through the process of hiring a new head coach.

"It was certainly not me or one guy that led to the success," Portela said. "It all starts at the  top with Joe Montano and all the assistant coaches. Joe wants all the assistant coaches to stay put."

"We want to make sure the kids continue to have the great experiences they've had. Winning and losing is secondary to the things we feel are important. We want the kids learning life lessons and leaving here prepared to succeed at the next level and in life."

Among Portela's fondest memories were being able to coach his sons, John and Jim, at Red Bank Catholic.

When Frank (Edgerly) resigned in 2009 my son Jim was a rising sophomore," Portela said. "He just graduated from Ohio State, so it's crazy how time flies. I loved coaching my kids, but every player is someone's son. I tried to treat them all the way I would want mine to be treated."

Football editor Bob Badders can be reached at badders@allshoremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.