Frederick steps down as Neshaminy's football coach

Mike Frederick has stepped down as Neshaminy's head football coach after one season, citing conflicts with his work schedule. He submitted his letter of resignation and talked with his players Thursday afternoon.

"It's definitely related to developments with my job," Frederick said. "I thought the business structure would allow me to coach for a long time. But everything I tried was not viable."

Frederick, a standout at defensive end for Neshaminy in the late 1980s, is the director of business development for a financial services company in West Chester.

"I never would have taken the job if I thought there was a high probability of things changing with my job and more travel being required," he said. "I'm not happy about it. I feel for the kids. They were incredible."

Hit hard by graduation after winning the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA title and advancing to the state semifinals in 2013, the inexperienced Redskins went a disappointing 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the Suburban One League National Conference last season.

"That had nothing to do with me leaving," Frederick, 42, said. "We had to replace 18 seniors. We were going in the right direction, and the administration showed me full support."

It was Frederick's first head-coaching job at the high school level. The father of four was an assistant coach for one year at Baltimore's Gilman School in the early 2000s. He replaced longtime Neshaminy head coach Mark Schmidt, who posted a 161-66 record in 227 games from 1995 to 2013.

"The administration went out on a limb for me," the Chester Springs resident said. "I can't thank them enough for the opportunity. This was a dream come true to coach at my alma mater. I had the time of my life."

Frederick starred at Virginia and went on to play in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns (1995), Baltimore Ravens (1996 to 1998), and Tennessee Titans (1999). He was drafted in the third round, with the 96th overall pick, in the 1995 draft.

@ozoneinq

www.philly.com/ozone