Casey Sutera came to Brighton High School as a first-time head football coach four years ago during the difficult pandemic years. He had a proven record as the defensive coordinator at Corner Canyon High School (CCHS) where he helped the Chargers win three 6A state championships. He began his high school coaching career at Jordan High School after playing collegiate football at the University of Utah. With long-time CCHS football coach Eric Kjar being called up to coach at Weber State, Canyons School District tapped Sutera to return to CCHS to take the reins of the premier 6A football program in the state.

Under the guidance of head coach Casey Sutera the Bengals earned a 35-14 record making it to the semifinals at Rice Eccles stadium in 2024-25 (Jerry Christensen/City Journals)

“I learned under the best play caller in the state, Erik Kjar,” Sutera said. “It is an honor to return to Corner Canyon and continue the tradition of excellence entrusted to me. The Brighton community will always be in my heart because of the memories and great success that we had here.” Sutera notched a 35-14 record in the four years at the helm in Cottonwood Heights. He earned three Region 6 championships and took the teams to two Rice Eccles Stadium final-four appearances. He was named 2024 5A Coach of the Year.

“Casey Sutera represents everything a quality coach should be,” said Brighton Principal Marielle Rawle. “He knows the game of football and he can teach it by building a culture of hard work and resilience. But more than that, Casey understands the positive influence he can have over the young men on his team and he doesn’t take that responsibility lightly. He teaches them respect, he holds them accountable and he loves them. It’s no wonder kids want to be part of his team. A quality coach who builds quality programs and the result is quality young men.” 

Sutera’s former players recall him as a demanding coach who wanted the team to be known as the most physically strong and the fastest team. “He always pushed everyone in the weight room bringing the energy everyday which I believe is the best thing to do in a team environment. Definitely the smartest coach when it came to weightlifting and athletic performance,” said Landon Hill, a state wrestler and four-year football player in Sutera’s program.

The “Casey culture” that he developed at Brighton includes citizenship, competitiveness and courage. He is an educator first and foremost. Melissa Nash, the celebrated girls lacrosse coach at Brighton and BYU, said, “I know Sutera had an impact on our football team on the field, but as a teacher and fellow coach, I really saw his impact off the field. His leadership and example changed the character of our football players (and school) for the better. Sutera was not just an advocate for his team, but all of Brighton’s teams and students. One of our players’ favorite practices was when Sutera would come to lead us in a football conditioning workout. The girls loved learning from him and we appreciated his time and energy during his offseason.” 

Wrestling coach Burke Gappmayer recalls similar support for the wrestling teams over the years. Sutera encouraged his players to be multisport student-athletes and to be positive role models in the community.

Coach Casey Sutera on senior day with No. 14 Landon Hill. (Photo courtesy Brandy Hill)

And there was the sometimes controversial “Sutera strategy.” He recognized in 2024 that he had a core of potential in his 2025 team that could be refined and “battle tested” by challenging the best teams in the state. 

Sutera negotiated home and away games with the top teams of 6A, 5A and 4A and took the team on the road north and south. The battles were fierce and the scores were not favorable. But the outcome was palpable. The honed Bengal team dominated region play and finished “on the turf” at Rice Eccles Stadium. 

“We learned to trust the process,” said Marshall Huber, who played all four years in the Sutera system and will continue at the next level with Air Force. 

“I remember a key game against Timpview which was a powerhouse team. We were behind in the second half but coach Sutera was calm and confident. He showed us character and resilience which became a hallmark of our team. That comeback win was a turning point and set our strategy.”

Bo Hill, a 2025 graduate, recalls Sutera as a players’ coach. “He's very motivating and inspirational. He's not afraid to show emotion at the right time. He's the type of coach that creates a fun atmosphere on the field and in the weightroom. Coach Sutera teaches players to love the game and get better every day.” 

When asked how he intends to approach the most storied current football program in the state at Corner Canyon, Sutera talks culture. “I have great coaches who are empowered to make the calls,” he said. “This allows me to focus on the players teaching them citizenship, competitiveness and courage.”

Brighton’s Athletic Director Garrett Wilson summed up his thoughts. “The Sutera era at Brighton is characterized by more than just victories; his legacy instilled a competitive fire and a commitment to excellence that permeated the entire athletic department. His dedication to developing student-athletes both on and off the gridiron leaves a profound void. While the transition marks a new chapter for both coach Sutera and Corner Canyon, the foundation he laid ensures that Brighton football is poised for continued success. The administration, faculty and entire Bengal community wish him the best as he embarks on this exciting new challenge.”