Former Vikings football coach Krahn, Peterson resign from coaching
The Charlo High School football program will undergo two significant changes in their personnel headed into the fall of 2019 when now-former Vikings head coach Mike Krahn and Jim Peterson both step down from their positions.
Peterson, who was dubbed an assistant coach, has patrolled the sidelines together with Krahn essentially acting as co-head coaches for the previous 15 years of Charlo High School football.
Krahn, who with coach Peterson, have started considering themselves a package deal as head coaches will continue to teach at Charlo.
Krahn will continue to be a teacher of business and technology, and computer application at Charlo High School.
“I knew the end was coming,” Krahn said. “It is just one of those deals that football becomes so time-consuming, and the amount of energy, and time it takes was starting to take a toll. That is when I decided I needed to step away, and take a little break at some point.”
Krahn admits stepping down wasn’t an easy decision.
“It’s going to be different,” Krahn said. “I’ve been involved with football at some level for the last 32 years, either playing or coaching every fall.”
Peterson has invested even more time being a coach in some capacity on both the eastern and western portion of Montana since the late 70s.
“He’s been coaching forever,” Krahn said. “He’s got even more (time) invested in the sport of football than I’ve had over the years. “We’ve always been a package deal, and I’ve said it in the past that I don’t like referring to Coach Peterson is ‘an assistant’ because he’s been so intricate to everything that I’ve done.”
Krahn said he felt he and Peterson complimented each other.
“We’ve always thought pretty like-minded,” Krahn said. “Over the years, we’ve developed a great level of trust as co-head coaches, and it was his offensive mindset that he brought to the table that contributed to Charlo’s success. I’ve enjoyed coaching with him over the years. I’ve enjoyed having to work with him. It’ll be different to watch the game of football as a fan, but I will have a little more time to spend at home.”
Krahn stated he and Peterson’s resignation was low key.
“I turned in my resignation, and they still haven’t found a head football coach,” Krahn said. “I know Coach P and I ended up stepping away together, and a little change ended up happening.”
Because Coach Peterson’s vast experience in coaching on both sides of the state, Peterson is well-known throughout the state of Montana Krahn said. His popularity was evident at the recent Bob Cleverley 8-man All-Star football game in Butte.
“Coach P can’t go anywhere without being recognized,” Krahn said. “He has people on the Eastern portion of the state coming up, and talking to him because he coached their dad. He is just well-known, and is a great person to have around. Coach P is so well respected by everyone, and again, is a great guy to have on your team.”
Krahn always knew he was given an active program when he took over a Charlo Class C, 8-man football program that experienced success since the late 50s.
“I was blessed to be a part of a program with a great tradition, and I hope I will pass it off in good shape,” Krahn said. “It was definitely some of the best years, and I have a lot of pride for being a part of Charlo football. I will always be a Vikings’ fan, but I just felt it was time to step away for a while.”