Ben Ries steps down as Norfolk boys basketball coach
Norfolk High School will be looking for a new boys basketball coach for the second time in as many years.
NORFOLK, Neb. — Norfolk High School will be looking for a new boys basketball coach for the second time in as many years.
The school announced Monday that Ben Ries is stepping down as head coach and intends to serve as an assistant coach next season. He replaced Ben Bohn in advance of the 2025-26 season. Ries also had a previous 14-year stint as head boys coach, spent three years has head girls basketball coach and worked five years as activities director.
“It was a pleasure to serve as the head boys basketball coach this season,” Ries said in a statement. “I’ve reached a point in my coaching career when it is time to help a new head coach build their program. Thank you to the players, parents, coaches, and administrators for their support. I look forward to the future of Norfolk Basketball.”
A news release says the district will start searching for a new head coach immediately.
“We appreciate all the hard work and dedication Mr. Ries has given to the athletic department at the Senior High, most notably the basketball program,” Activities Director John Erwin said. “We are excited that he will continue to share his leadership and experience in an assistant coaching role with our boys basketball team.”
The Panthers posted a 5-17 record this season. Norfolk hasn’t finished with a winning record since winning the state championship in 2017. The Panthers are the last program outside of the Omaha metro to win a Class A title.