Matthews added to Lions’ staff

Clay Matthews, the 19-year NFL star who most recently was the defensive coordinator at Agoura High School, has joined the coaching staff of Oaks Christian High School’s football team, according to Lions’ head coach Bill Redell.

"As you know, we have a really good coaching staff and adding someone of Clay’s expertise and background, we feel very fortunate," said Redell. "We look forward to having him. He’ll do a great job for us."

Redell added, "Anybody that’s played 19 years in the National Football League had to learn something, not to mention what he did at Agoura. He did a good job there, too."

Matthews’ son, Clay, Jr., is a senior at Agoura High where he played under head coach Charlie Wegher, but Matthews’ younger son Casey, is a freshman at Oaks Christian and is expected to be an impact player for the Lions. Casey played JV last fall.

"He’s one of the many really good freshmen players we have," said Redell regarding Casey Matthews.

Redell said he and Matthews have similar coaching philosophies.

Bob Richards, formerly the defensive coordinator for Oaks Christian, will now coach the defensive line.

Redell is pleased to have Richards back as well.

"Bob Richards did a great job with our defense for four years, and I’m just glad Bob is staying with the program," Redell said.

The Lions won a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) championship earlier this school year, the school’s first in football. Redell said 16 players who started the championship game against Oak Park return next season.

—Wayne Harrison