BREAKING: Head Coach Nathan Yates Steps Down After 5 Seasons at Riverbend High School

The Riverbend football team will be saying goodbye to their head coach, Nathan Yates, after five seasons at the helm. Yates, along with his dedicated coaching staff, has made significant strides in the team's performance since taking over in the winter of 2019.

When Yates first joined the Bears, the team was struggling, coming off a disappointing 1-9 season. However, under his leadership, the program experienced a steady improvement that culminated in some fun playoff runs over the past few years.

During the 2019 season, the Bears finished with a 3-8 record and made the playoffs, showing signs of progress. The following year, in 2020, they further improved, finishing with a 4-2 record and defeated Colonial Forge for only the second time in their program's history. The team's success continued in 2021 and 2022, with both seasons ending in impressive 9-3 records. Although the 2023 season saw a slight dip in performance, with a 7-5 record, the Bears made it to the regional semi-finals for the 3rd year in a row and the overall trajectory of the team under Yates' guidance has been positive.

Yates' decision to step down comes as a surprise to many, as the team seemed to be on an upward trajectory. It remains unclear whether he is leaving in pursuit of another coaching opportunity in the area or for personal reasons. This marks the second head coaching vacancy in Spotsylvania County, adding to the anticipation surrounding the future of high school football in the region.

Throughout his tenure, Yates has not only focused on improving the team's performance on the field but has also played a vital role in shaping the character and discipline of the players. Under his guidance, the Bears have become known for how well coached and disciplined they played. The focus for Riverbend now shifts to a search for a new coach. The Bears have had 5 coaches since opening with up and down success along the way.

Overall Record: 32-21 5 Seasons (4 Playoff Appearances)

2019 Record: 3-8 (Playoff Appearance)

2020 Record: 4-2

2021 Record 9-3 (Regional Semi-finals)

2022 Record 9-3 (Regional Semi-finals)

2023 Record 7-5 (Regional Semi-finals)