Christian Swain has a proven track record of turning around a high school football program, and views his third head-coaching job much like his first.
When he became head coach of Portland’s Roosevelt High in 2009, the program hadn’t have a rich tradition of success, yet Swain quickly turned the North Portland school into a league champion that went to the Oregon state playoffs six consecutive seasons.
Now, he hopes to do the same — and more — at Evergreen High School, a program that hasn’t won a playoff game since it’s 2004 state championship team. Swain was officially named the Plainsmen’s head football coach Tuesday, as announced by district athletic director Cale Piland. Swain replaces Terry Hyde, who coached Evergreen the past four seasons.
“It’s going to be a process; it’s not going to happen overnight,” Swain said. “We’ll continue to stress character and the things kids are doing when they’re not on the football field and build on those qualities. My philosophy has always been that when kids are doing those things, it transfers to the field.”
Swain didn’t stay out of coaching long. He resigned from Columbia River in January, going 14-16 in three seasons and leading the Chieftains to the 2A playoffs all three seasons. While Evergreen wasn’t on his radar until recently, Swain said he realized the school is a place he needs — and wants — to be.
“Sometimes,” Swain said, “God opens doors you don’t expect, and I’m so honored to be the next head coach there. Evergreen is a great program that’s rich in tradition and I look forward to to getting to work.”
Evergreen tradition includes winning Clark County’s first large-school state title in 2004. In 2016, the Plainsmen won a 3-way league tiebreaker to reach the Week 10 state preliminary round under Hyde.
Swain said he’ll remain with Vancouver Public Schools as a district-wide student welfare and attendance specialist for the remainder of the school year, before transitioning to student teaching at Evergreen this fall.
And he’s confident the corner will turn for Evergreen football with the right formula.
“And over time,” he said, “things will get a lot better on the scoreboard as well.”
