Saint Peter High School

Saint Peter High School’s head football coach Brian Odland recently announced his resignation from that role after 15 years at the helm of the Saints program. Odland, who’s Saints won the South Central Red District title in 2021 and were runner-up twice in the South Central Conference, came to St. Peter in the fall of 2009 after serving as head coach at Monticello for seven years.

(ABOVE) Saints' head football coach Brian Odland is shown in this file photo addressing some of his defensive players during the 2022 playoff game at Jordan.

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to lead this program for 15 seasons and be able to coach my son (Peyton),” Odland said. “I had decided after the 2022 season to coach through my son’s class and then reflect on things. Knowing next year that both my kids will be in college, I decided now was a good time to step down. 

“I was blessed to have great coaches to work with. I was also fortunate to develop close bonds and friendships with many of my former players. I have appreciated the support of the football families, the booster club, and the community."

Odland will remain in his position as SPHS dean of students, a role he has held here since the fall of 2017. He also taught social studies at SPHS from 2009 to 2017. Before serving as head coach at St. Peter and Monticello, Odland was an assistant football coach at Roseville, Mesabi Range College, Marshall, and Southwest Minnesota State University.

“I will miss a lot of things about leading this program, and Friday night home games were very special because of the amazing crowd support our teams received on those nights,” Odland said. 

When asked about some of his most memorable games coaching the Saints, he was quick to reply, “I really can’t decide on one particular one, but there were three games that really stand out to me. Back in 2012 we went down to Fairmont and beat them on their home field to end their 23-game South Central Conference winning streak. I’ll also never forget the next year making the long trip to New London-Spicer and beating a team that would go on to the Prep Bowl. More recently, the homecoming game against Jordan two years ago when it came down to the wire and we won by one point in a thriller.”

Justin Helget to take over as Saints' head football coach

Odland’s replacement will be his assistant coach Justin Helget who worked with Odland for several years.  That move was announced recently by Saints Activities Director Shea Roehrkasse.

“I want to wish Justin, a long-time assistant of mine, good luck as he begins his new role,” Odland said. “I’m excited to see him begin his journey leading this program that has meant a lot to me and my family over the last 15 years.”

More information on Helget’s new role with the Saints’ football program will be shared next week!