Over a remarkable 29-year tenure as Varsity head football coach, Brian Leair transformed Cedarburg High School football into one of Wisconsin’s most respected programs. When Leair took the helm, the Bulldogs had recorded only two winning seasons in the past 25 years. Under Leair’s leadership, he accumulated an exceptional 197-111 record, while qualifying for the WIAA playoffs in 25 of 29 seasons. Leair coached an impressive 50 WIAA playoff games, guided his teams to seven State Quarterfinal appearances, secured four North Shore Conference Championships, and was the 2010 WIAA Division II State Championship Runner-Up.

Leair’s coaching excellence earned widespread recognition. He was named North Shore Conference Coach of the Year five times, selected as an assistant coach in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) All-Star Game four times, and honored as the 2001 WFCA District XXII Coach of the Year. This culminated with his 2023 induction into the WFCA Hall of Fame. In 2025, he received the prestigious Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Lifetime Achievement Award. Leair is also a member of the Hartford High School Football Hall of Fame for his contributions as an athlete.

Leair’s commitment to nurturing young athletes extended into the school and the community as well. He began his career at CHS as a physical education and health teacher, serving CHS for 23 years to date. Leair went on to serve as athletic director, overseeing 23 varsity athletic programs during a period marked by consistent success. Leair was instrumental in starting the Cedarburg Dawgs Youth Football Program, which continues to serve as a foundational training ground for future Bulldogs. Through decades of leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication, Brian Leair has left an enduring legacy on Cedarburg High School football.