Kyle Hass agonized and anguished over his decision for nearly 10 days.

In the end, the Northampton head football coach did what he believed was best for him and his family.

Haas has resigned his position at Northampton to accept the head coaching position at Bethlehem Catholic, a job he held as an interim head coach in 2016.

“This was the toughest decision I had to make,” said Haas. “I had never been in this position. There are so many good people and a great team chemistry at Northampton, and it made it so hard to leave. It was as hard to talk about as it was to think about leaving the program. I really didn’t get too much sleep thinking about the decision.

“Bethlehem Catholic offered me an opportunity that Northampton couldn’t. However, I am extremely thankful to (assistant superintendent) Bob Steckel, (athletic director) Shaun Murray, (superintendent) Joe Kovalchik, and (principal) Luke Shafnisky for their support.

“At the end of the day, it was a family decision.”

Haas was an assistant coach at Becahi from 2011 to 2016, his last year as an interim when former head coach Joe Heinrich took a sabbatical. Heinrich recently resigned after a successful nine-year run with the program that included four district titles. He is rumored to be a leading candidate for the Liberty head coaching position.

It proved to be a magical year as Haas led the Golden Hawks to an overall 11-4 season that ended in an Eastern Final loss to Imhotep Charter.

Haas was an English teacher at Becahi for nine years before he left for Northampton.

“A few weeks ago, the (Bethlehem Catholic) alumni reached out to me to see if I would have interest in coming back,” he stated. “I wanted to listen to what they had to say, and they made me an offer that really suited me.

“I really enjoyed teaching and I will be back in the classroom. It was a pretty good fit. The people at Beca appreciated what I did when I was there.”

When Heinrich returned after the 2016 season, Haas wanted to be a head coach again. He decided to leave and accept an assistant coach position at Moravian College.

In January 2018, Haas was hired at Northampton and he produced an overall 19-10 mark in three seasons with two district playoff appearances. He also led the Konkrete Kids to one East Penn Conference (EPC) North title.

However, Haas won’t forget how he once was in the middle of an unknowing rivalry.

“I had applied for both the Northampton and Catty job at the same time,” said Haas. “They were both open, and I was offered the Northampton job first. Ironically, Catty called me the same day.

“It dawned on me about the rivalry between the two schools, and I was in the middle of it. If Catty called first, I probably would have taken that job.”

In three seasons, Haas not only re-energized the program, but he also helped stock it with depth down to the middle school level. He expects the Kids to be contenders whether they

play in the EPC North or South division.

“The program is in good shape,” said Haas. “There are a good group of freshmen who will really make an impact on the program. I was very excited to have the chance to work with them. In two or three years, this program will be even better.”

Haas was disappointed to be unable to tell his players in person due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“I feel horrible I couldn’t let them know in person,” said Haas. “I had to put out a group message and that’s not how I wanted to do it for the kids, but unfortunately, that was the only way. It still bothers me. I didn’t want to handle it that way.”

Current and former players had mixed reactions to the news.

“I think it really sucks for the guys still in the program,” said senior Joe Kerbacher, who was the quarterback for the past two seasons. “But he has to do what is best for him and his family, so I understand the decision.”

Senior Sam Nelson, a starting lineman the past few seasons, also expressed his surprise about the news.

“Well, I think it came as a shock to all of us,” he said. “We didn’t see this happening. But at the end of the day, it’s a business and you have to take care of your family.

“I am extremely honored to call him my high school coach and was very blessed to have him for my last year in high school.”

Former standout Tyrese Brandon, who set several school records in his time as a Kid, still appreciates his playing time with Haas. Brandon was a freshman in the East Stroudsburg University football program this past fall.

“Playing for him my last two years of high school was truly an amazing, but humbling experience,” said Brandon. “I just didn’t see him as a football coach, but as someone who I could seek advice and talk to about anything other than football. He was big on building relationships with one another, and he and I will forever have a bond.

“It’s sad to see him leave the program, but he set a solid foundation that I hope the younger guys saw and were able to be a part of.”

Becahi is glad to make a smooth transition from Heinrich.

“It is a blessing to have Coach Haas return to Bethlehem Catholic and lead our football program,” stated Becahi athletic director Chris Domyan via a release. “In 2016, as interim head coach, he electrified the football team and our entire school community with one of the best seasons in recent history. He is a passionate and inspiring leader who will connect with the players immediately.”

Haas also sees the adjustment as a straightforward one. Junior 6-7, 290-pound lineman Justin Kanyuk, a major Division 1 recruit, and fellow junior quarterback Jared Richardson, who missed part of the season due to injury, lead a core of returners back from a 4-4 record last season.

“We’ll have a lot of good athletes coming back from what I know,” said Haas. “There are definitely kids there to build a program. A lot of kids have brothers who played for me when I was there.

“I have some assistants who came with me, and some stayed there (Northampton). There is a lot of positive energy (at Becahi). It will be up to me to build chemistry and go from there.”

Once he starts, Haas will begin to build a new culture at Bethlehem Catholic.