The College of San Mateo announced that former coach Larry Owens will return to his post as head coach for the Bulldogs’ football team, effective immediately.

“I am extremely pleased to announce that Larry Owens will be resuming the leadership role of our program,” Andreas Wolf, CSM athletic director, said in a press release.

The coaching staff for the most part, however, will remain relatively unchanged. Bret Pollack, who served as Owens’ offensive coordinator for several season before taking over the head coaching duties in 2008 after Owens stepped down, will remain as offensive coordinator. Tim Tulloch, who served as defensive coordinator for both Owens and Pollack, will retain his role with the team.

Messages left with both Owens and Pollack were not returned.

“This was an amicable decision, and the change has our full support,” Wolf said. “The beauty is that we have all three coaches still with our program. They have the greatest respect for one another and work well together. So we are not losing anything in this transition.”

Owens guided the team for 19 seasons, compiling a 112-85 record. He led the Bulldogs to nine bowl games, including seven in a row from 2001 to 2007. He stepped down following the 2008 season for health reasons. He has spent the last several seasons as an assistant coach with the Bulldogs.

“Coaching a football team of this magnitude is arguably one of the most difficult and time consuming jobs in the California Community College system. The job is 24/7/365 and it can easily wear you down,” Wolf said. “A change in leadership roles is healthy both from a personal and professional perspective and I will do anything to support the will of our coaches to help retain their longevity.”

Since taking over for the 2009 season, Pollack helped the Bulldogs take the step to become one of the elite community college programs not only in the state, but in the nation. In his first season, 20009, Pollack led the Bulldogs to the Northern California championship and a spot in the state title game. In his seven seasons, Pollack compiled a record of 59-19.

“Coach Owens and his staff will work tirelessly to ensure our team remains one of the premier football programs in the state,” Wolf said.