Coach Doug Bontrager '81 Announces Retirement from Coaching

Father Ryan announced today that long-time Boys Basketball Head Coach Doug Bontrager, class of 1981, is retiring from his coaching position. He will continue teaching at Father Ryan and remain the Head of Immaculata House.

Coach Bontrager led Irish Basketball for 37 years, ending his career with a 603-471 record, making him the winningest coach in Father Ryan Basketball history. Throughout his time with Father Ryan, Coach Bontrager reached the State Final Four eight times, winning the State Title twice – 1999 and 2002 – and finishing runner-up three times. After winning the Region Tournament for the first time since 2009, he closed his last season with the Irish with a record of 21-9.

“Early in our careers at Father Ryan, I had the privilege of coaching the Freshman Basketball team for 11 years under Coach Bontrager, and it is difficult to find anyone more dedicated to the game than him. Every coach knew that if they were playing a team coached by Doug Bontrager, they would be facing an organized, well-prepared, defensive team,” said Father Ryan President and classmate of Coach Bontrager, Paul Davis ’81. “Beyond the game, when it comes to teaching young men the principles of integrity and character, you cannot find a better role model than Coach Bontrager. We thank him for his dedication to helping decades of Father Ryan students reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potentials.”

Principal Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr. stated, “Coach Bontrager’s impact on Father Ryan’s Basketball program extends far beyond the court. Over 37 years, he has not only led his team to more than 600 victories—a testament to his work ethic, dedication, and pursuit of excellence—but, more importantly, he has shaped the lives of countless young men. His influence is rooted in the mission of Father Ryan and in Catholic education, focusing on the development of the whole person while instilling values of discipline, integrity, and faith. True professionals like Coach Bontrager are rare, and we are profoundly grateful for his unwavering commitment and the lasting difference he has made in the lives of so many.”

Father Ryan’s Director of Athletics, Ann Mullins ’03, reflected, “Coach Bontrager’s impact on the Boys Basketball program over the past 30-plus years is immeasurable. His dedication, passion, and ability to develop not just skilled athletes but also outstanding young men have left a lasting legacy. He has been a role model both on and off the court, instilling values of hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship in every player who has come through the program. Beyond his coaching success, his commitment to education is just as inspiring. As a high-level math teacher, he challenges and supports his students, helping them grow academically with the same energy and enthusiasm he brings to coaching. We are incredibly fortunate to continue benefitting from his wisdom, leadership, and unwavering dedication in the classroom.”

“As I reflect on my coaching career, it has been an honor to lead Father Ryan’s Basketball program for the past 37 seasons. Basketball is a true team sport, and I am filled with gratitude for each player, administrator, and fan who has been a part of this journey,” said Coach Bontrager. “I am extremely grateful for all the assistant coaches who have worked beside me these last 37 years. The success of our program is a direct result of their hard work and dedication. High school athletics provides an opportunity for students to develop both as players and as people, and I hope I have had the same influence over the athletes who I have coached as they have had on me. It has been a privilege to represent Father Ryan both on and off the court.”

Coach Bontrager is a Nashville native and a graduate of Father Ryan High School, class of 1981. He returned to Father Ryan shortly before earning his Master of Science in Mathematics from Middle Tennessee State University in 1987. For his undergraduate studies, he attended Christian Brothers University. 

His success on the court carries over to the classroom, as his AP Calculus students continue to earn top marks on the AP exam every year. In recognition of his contributions to education, he received the Bishop Alphonse Smith Outstanding Teacher Award from Father Ryan in 2014.

Thank you, Coach Bontrager, for your years of dedication to the Irish Basketball program, and we look forward to witnessing you continue to positively impact Father Ryan students in the classroom and through the House System.