The Current learned Tuesday that Jerry Haflich is temporarily stepping down from his head coaching duties of the American River College football team. Jon Osterhout, offensive coordinator for the last two seasons, will be taking over as interim head coach.

On Monday night The Sacramento Bee’s Joe Davidson made a post on his public Facebook page announcing that Osterhout had been named interim head coach of ARC’s football team. It was not clear from the post why Haflich was being replaced or how long Osterhout’s interim period was supposed to be.

Dean of Athletics Greg Warzecka agreed to an interview with the Current and spoke about the situation, with some reservations.

“Haflich is taking a release of head coaching duties during this semester only. He is resting and recuperating from concussions symptoms…the plan is to have him come back as our fall football coach, but that is yet to be determined,” said Warzecka.

Warzecka declined to comment further on Haflich’s concussion issues due to privacy, but acknowledged that the program was ready to move forward if it had to.

“If (Haflich) cannot return, I am fully comfortable with saying that Jon would be our head coach. He has been with us for two years,” said Warzecka.

Haflich will continue to teach a full class load in Kinesiology, but all of his football responsibilities over the next semester will be transferred onto Osterhout.

“He will now take over our spring football class, which is heavy in strength and conditioning, and will culminate in spring drills, or proverbial spring football. Jon will also handle all the recruiting and helping students find scholarships,” said Warzecka.