(Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
Monte Thelen has stepped down as the coach of the Cherokee Trail football team, according to a report from the Aurora Sentinel.
Thelen has been the coach of the program since the school opened in 2003. They quickly made a splash and have been a contender in the Class 5A Centennial League for several years.
The Cougars advanced to the 5A title game in 2012, where they lost to Valor Christian and standout running back Christian McCaffrey.
CHSAANow.com reached out to Cherokee Trail athletic director Steve Carpenter, but calls have not been returned.
According the Sentinel, Thelen has no desire to coach elsewhere and will remain with the school as a teacher. He will also help coach the track team this coming spring.
This is the first time in the young history of the school that a new coach will be sought in the offseason.