Greg Bahen

STEUBENVILLE — A new face with a familiar last name will lead Catholic Central’s football program next season.

The Central athletic department announced on Tuesday that veteran football coach Greg Bahen has been hired to lead the Crusaders.

Bahen is a native of Columbus but has deep ties to CCHS. He is the son of 1981 Central alum Timmy Bahen and nephew of former Crusaders head coach Gregg Bahen. His wife is also a Central graduate.

He has 17 years of coaching experience, a press release from the school said, all coming in his native Columbus.

Most recently, he was the run game coordinator and offensive line coach at Columbus Dublin Coffman. The bulk of his coaching experience came at Columbus DeSales, where he had held the titles of co-offensive coordinator, defensive line coach, offensive line coach and freshman coach during the course of his time there. He was on the staff for DeSales’ 2020 state runner up finish.

“I am honored and excited to lead the Catholic Central football program,” Bahen said in a press release announcing his hire. “This schools has a proud tradition and it means a great deal to my family and me. I look forward to working with our student athletes, building strong relationships and striving for excellence both on and off the field.”

The Crusaders are coming off of a fourth-straight playoff appearance last season, finishing 6-5.

The job became available last month when the school announced the abrupt departure of Eric Meek, who went 27-18 in four seasons.