Already familiar to the program, Bryer takes over as Belle Vernon football coach

By: Jeremy Sellew
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 6:01 AM

There’s a new — but familiar — man in charge of the Belle Vernon football program after Tuesday night’s school board meeting.

Scott Bryer was hired in a unanimous vote, officially making him the leader of the program.

“Coach Bryer is no stranger to Leopard Nation,” Belle Vernon athletic director and former coach Matt Humbert said. “A longtime member of the Belle Vernon football community, Scott brings with him a deep understanding of the program’s proud traditions, values and competitive spirit. He has worn many hats over the years, serving as the linebackers coach at the high school level, defensive coordinator at the middle school and president of the Belle Vernon Area Youth Football organization. His leadership and passion for the game have left a lasting impact at every level of the program.”

Bryer, 53, said when Humbert announced he was stepping aside as the Leopards’ coach, a number of supporters started encouraging him to throw his hat into the ring to be the new coach.

“When so many people that have a vested interest in the program started calling me, I started to think that maybe I’m not too old for this,” Bryer said. “To be honest, I love being involved. I’ve been involved with the program one way or another for so many years. This program has done a lot for my family. I’m familiar with the kids. I’m honored to be in the position that I’m in and take over a great program that coach Humbert has built.”

Bryer and his wife, Tina, have three sons who have come through the program and another one at the middle-school level beginning his journey.

His oldest son, Max, has joined the staff at Edinboro as the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach. Jack is a junior tight end at Case Western Reserve, along with his younger brother, Luke, who is a freshman defensive end. Heinz Bryer is a seventh grader at BVA Middle School.

“Obviously, Tina was the first I discussed this with, and she was very excited,” Bryer said. “Then came the discussion with the boys. It makes sense because everyone we socialize with is from our football family. Everyone was really excited, which helped in this a lot. What they have to say is always going to be important to me. They made me want to pursue the job, and I wouldn’t have done it without them.”

Humbert said the legacy of Bryers in the program has spanned generations and that he’s excited for Bryer to lead the next chapter.

“Scott is a perfect fit to carry on the tradition and customs of our football program,” Humbert said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to pass the torch to someone who truly bleeds gold and white. His commitment to our student-athletes, our school and community is unmatched. The Belle Vernon Area School District is confident that under his leadership, the program will continue to thrive both on and off the field.”

Bryer said he already has been reliant on Humbert as he begins his new role.

“Having Matt around has already been so helpful. He’s a great resource to have. It definitely helps that he’s still in the loop and will still be a big part around the program,” Bryer said. “The program that coach Humbert has built over the last 10 years has been one of the top in the WPIAL. What has happened means a lot to me and my family.”

Bryer said a number of Humbert’s staff will remain, and all coaching slots from the high school down to the middle school are full.

Coach Scott Knee will return and take over the role as offensive coordinator. Former Leopards Logan Pfrogner, Gage Rogge and Reiley Wiant will be among the offensive assistants.

Chris Edenfield, a former coach at Laurel Highlands, will be Bryer’s defensive coordinator. Defensive staff members will include Mike Steeber and Mike Metikosh.

Brett Berish, who was Humbert’s defensive coordinator, will take over as the head middle school coach along with longtime assistant Jim Trenk.

“There will also be some new faces, but, for the most part, it’s a group that the kids are going to be familiar with and that is familiar with the kids. We’ve had a few meetings already, and I’ve been around the offseason programs,” Bryer said. “Kids have been asking me, but I’ve kind of side-stepped those questions.”

With the staff and players in place, not much will change on the field except for a few things that Bryer and company may tweak.

“You’re going to see a lot of the same things. It’s not going to be a wholesale change,” Bryer said. “There will be some subtle changes. The players in the program, we’ve been coaching them since they were in the fourth or fifth grade. There’s already going to be a lot of similarities. A lot of the terminology will stat the same.”

Bryer, who is a principal in the Mt. Pleasant Area School District, is scheduled to officially meet with the team today.

“My biggest challenge will be the balancing act of, now I’m the head coach. Players will look at you a little differently, and, obviously, my thought process changes a bit now,” Bryer added. “This is a great situation to walk into, and I’m really excited for the opportunity to work with these players and help them get to the level they want to reach.”

Tags: Belle Vernon