Sheridan coach Don Julian steps down after 20 seasons, nine championships

After 20 years as a head football coach, Don Julian has stepped down as the head coach at Sheridan.

He leaves the Broncs after leading them to three consecutive state titles and, at the moment, 18 consecutive victories. He also led Sheridan to titles in 2009 and 2011.

Prior to coaching Sheridan, Julian coached at Riverton from 1993-2001, leading the Wolverines to championships in 1994, 1997, 1998 and 1999. In between Riverton and Sheridan, Julian coached at the University of Wyoming before becoming director of football operations and later an assistant athletic director at UW; he returned to the prep ranks in 2007 when he took over the Sheridan program.

Julian said he resigned to spend time with his parents on their ranch near Kemmerer, close to where Julian was raised.

His affect on the record books — as well as on the lives of the countless players who learned under his tutelage — is difficult to illustrate. But here are some examples in an attempt to do just that:

• He has more victories (102) than any other coach in Sheridan program history. He also has more victories (63) than any other coach in Riverton program history.
• His career total of 165 victories places him sixth all-time and third among active coaches in the state. Of the 34 Wyoming coaches with at least 90 in-state victories, Julian’s winning percentage of .789 is second only to Cokeville’s Todd Dayton.
• His nine state championships ranks third all-time in Wyoming.
• He led Riverton to 26 consecutive victories from 1997-99, tied for the eighth-longest streak in state history.
• Maybe most impressively, he never had a losing season in 20 years as a head coach in Wyoming.

Julian’s retirement drew immediate attention online as numerous people paid their respect:

So much admiration and respect for Don Julian and the men he formed and the programs he ran. Thanks seems very inadequate. #wyovarsity

— Sally Ann Shurmur (@WYOSAS) December 5, 2017

Julian leaving to take care of his parents. Just told the team in a meeting. Obviously emotional but an understood decision.

— SheridanPress_Sports (@PressSports_WY) December 5, 2017

We’d like to give a huge shout out to our head football coach and activities director, Don Julian. Today he announced his resignation. We are thankful for all you’ve done for this school coach. Best of luck to you and your family in your upcoming future. #BRONCSFOREVER

— Sheridan Broncs SS (@ShsBroncs) December 5, 2017

S/O to one of the best as Don Julian steps down as @BroncGridiron head coach … 102-22 in 11 seasons, including 5 state titles (2009, 2011, 2015-17). Throw Riverton into the mix and he was 165-44 in 20 seasons with 9 state championships.

— WyoVarsity (@WyoVarsity) December 5, 2017

BREAKING NEWS: Don Julian has resigned as head coach of the Sheridan High School Bronc football team! One heck of a ride! Good luck Coach Julian?

— Sheridan Sports Rpt (@SHRCNTYSPRTS) December 5, 2017

Wyoming Coaches Association Hall of Famer for sure.

— CP (@CPWyo) December 5, 2017

Emotional day as Coach Julian steps down as Sheridan Broncs head coach. Covered them for 7 years, 4 state titles & countless memories. Can’t thank him enough for letting me be a little part of it. Gonna be missed. #ICON

— Jeff Rickett (@LawnPoke) December 5, 2017

Great Coach and even better man. Best of luck to Coach Julian and @BroncGridiron https://t.co/WaAbplKIjN

— Cody Football (@CodyBroncFB) December 5, 2017

Good luck to Coach Julian. Unbelievable coach who always had time for @BlueHawkFB. https://t.co/Gg0FvS4yuG

— Jace Schillinger (@jaceschillinger) December 5, 2017

Wow. Tough day for @BroncGridiron. I have tremendous respect for Coach Julian. He was more than a football coach. But he has some great men in place to carry the torch.

— Devin Davis (@devindavisOD) December 5, 2017

It was an honor to compete with Coach Julian and @BroncGridiron on the football field. We wish him the best as he leaves to take care of his family. Thank you Coach for leading with class and dignity.

— Casey Walker (@tigercoachw) December 6, 2017

Sad day for Sheridan! He taught young men more than just football. Great Christian /leader/mentor/father figure. You name it.

— Pamela Woodward (@pamwoodward1) December 5, 2017

–patrick