Roger Bacon High School Names Brian Neal ’90 Director of Athletic Strategy and Development

Roger Bacon High School is proud to announce that Brian Neal ’90 has been named the school’s new Director of Athletic Strategy and Development, a newly created leadership position within the athletic department designed to enhance the overall student-athlete experience and help shape the future of Spartan athletics.

A longtime member of the Roger Bacon community, Neal has dedicated more than three decades to the school as an educator, coach, and administrator. During his time at Roger Bacon, he has served as a math teacher, Mathematics Department Chair, entrepreneurship instructor, Assistant Athletic Director, and coach within both the boys’ and girls’ basketball programs.

Neal spent 32 seasons coaching basketball at Roger Bacon, including 17 years as head boys’ basketball coach, while also helping lead multiple state-level programs throughout his career. His leadership and commitment to student-athletes have made him a respected figure within the Roger Bacon community and Greater Cincinnati athletics.

In his new role, Neal will work collaboratively with school leadership, the Athletic Director, coaches, and student-athletes to support coaching development, strengthen athletic culture, mentor coaches and athletes, and guide the strategic growth of Roger Bacon athletics. The position was created to help ensure Roger Bacon continues building a premier athletic experience rooted in excellence, character, accountability, and relationships.

“Brian Neal represents everything we want Roger Bacon athletics to be about moving forward,” said Principal Tim McCoy ’02. “As a former Roger Bacon basketball coach, Brian built a program defined by excellence, competitiveness, discipline, and strong relationships with student-athletes. He is highly respected throughout the athletic community and brings tremendous experience, vision, and leadership to this role.

“In collaboration with our Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director, Brian is going to help move the needle for Spartan athletics by mentoring coaches, strengthening our student-athlete experience, and helping ensure Roger Bacon remains competitive across all sports. We are excited about the future of our athletic department under this leadership team and confident Brian will play a major role in continuing to build a premier athletic experience for our students.”

Neal said the opportunity to continue serving Roger Bacon in this new capacity is deeply personal.

“As a son of a Roger Bacon teacher, I grew up roaming these halls and learning the lessons of Franciscan education,” Neal said. “I owe most of who I am to the great people of RB who helped shape me. First as a student and then as a teacher and coach, I have been fortunate to come in contact with some of the best people in the business. Now that I am entrusted with this new role as administrator and mentor, I hope that I can do the same for the next generation of outstanding RB athletes and coaches fulfilling our motto, ‘Mens sana in corpore sano’; A sound mind in a sound body.”

The Director of Athletic Strategy and Development position will focus on several key areas within the athletic department, including coaching leadership and mentorship, student-athlete development, athletic performance initiatives, program evaluation, game day operations, and long-term strategic planning. The role is intended to further elevate the student-athlete experience while supporting the continued growth and competitiveness of Spartan athletics.

As a Roger Bacon alumnus, educator, coach, and administrator, Neal brings a unique perspective to the role and a deep understanding of the school’s mission and values. Roger Bacon High School looks forward to the impact he will continue to make as the school remains committed to developing championship programs rooted in the Franciscan values that define the Spartan experience.