In 2009, Scott Bryer was hired as the head coach of Belle Vernon Area football. A few weeks later, however, he garnered an opportunity in his teaching career that required his full commitment. Faced with the decision, Bryer opted to step down as the Leopards coach, as he was promoted as an elementary school principal in the Mount Pleasant Area district.

Approximately 16 years later, Bryer will have his second chance to guide BVA on the gridiron. The longtime Leopards assistant was hired last week to lead the program, replacing Matt Humbert, who stepped down after 11 years at the helm.

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for Matt and what he’s done at Belle Vernon. When the opportunity came up that I could be the head coach of this program, it was a pretty easy decision to make,” Bryer detailed.

“This program has meant so much to me and my family. I’ve been a part of football in the Belle Vernon area for almost 20 years,” he continued, noting that three of his sons have suited up for the Leps.

Bryer, a graduate of South Allegheny, also had coaching stints with McKeesport Area and Mount Pleasant Area. During his time with the Vikings, he served under Mark Lyons and Bo Ruffner.

As a coach with BVA, first at the middle school and most recently with the varsity, Bryer focused on defense. Thus, he expects to keep the same core principles on that side of the ball, while making some slight tweaks to the offense.

Bryer doesn’t anticipate sweeping changes, however, as the Leopards have been one of the most successful programs in the WPIAL over the past decade.

“I think a lot of what Coach Humbert brought to the program is still going to be around, but it’s still going to have my fingerprints on it,” he stated. “You have to be yourself. These kids in the program now have known me since fourth grade.”

While Humbert stepped away from the gridiron, he’ll still remain close to the program as the Belle Vernon athletic director.

After winning back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA titles in Class 3A in 2022 and 23, the Leopards moved back to Class 4A last season. BVA finished the campaign with a mark of 4-5, including a playoff loss to McKeesport Area.

Less than 18 months removed from hoisting state gold, though, Bryer believes his team can return to the highest level.

“Having been a part of that special run and having that success…yeah, I think we all want to get back to that point, and we know that we can do it. That should be the expectation,” he detailed.