Josh Bears has plenty of coaching experience, and he has contemplated becoming the boys varsity basketball coach for Bethel Park more than once.

“Bethel Park’s coach, Mike Mastroianni, stepped down after [the 2007] season [when BP won the Class AAAA title],” Bears said to the Post Gazette. “My name was pretty hot at that point and I wondered what it would be like to coach in Class AAAA. I briefly thought about applying for the job, but I was too loyal to West Allegheny.”

On April 28, Bears was officially hired by BP after coaching at West Allegheny and Blackhawk, among other schools.

“It was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” Bears said to the Post Gazette. “I’m a competitor and I want to see how I match up with other Class AAAA coaches.”

Bears started his coaching career as an assistant for West Allegheny in the 2000-2001 season. Four years later, he was promoted to head coach. His biggest season was in 2007, when he led West Allegheny to the Class AAA title, the first ever title for West Allegheny. That year, BP was also looking for a coach, but hired Ben O’Connor, a BP alumnus, after Bears decided to stay at West Allegheny.

Bears and West Allegheny split up after the 2013-2014 season. Bears ended with a 127-106 record, and led the team to five WPIAL playoff appearances.

“[Not having the contract renewed] was kind of shocking, but I respected the school’s decision and moved on,” Bears said to the Post Gazette. “I still wanted to coach and Blackhawk gave me that opportunity.”

Bears coached the 2014-2015 season with the Blackhawk squad. However, the team was 4-18 overall and 4-10 in Class AAA Section 3 games. At the end of the season, BP was again looking for a coach, and Bears took advantage.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Bears said to the Post Gazette. “[Blackhawk athletic director] Joe Hamilton took a chance on me and allowed me to clear my name. Everybody at Blackhawk was unbelievable. I appreciate everything they did for me.”

Bears also coached at Allegheny-Clarion High School, Brentwood, and Burgettstown.

Bears is taking over a BP program that was 15-8 last season and qualified for the playoffs, but lost in the first round.

“The facilities at Bethel Park are excellent,” Bears said to the Post Gazette. “The people have been so positive with me. They are 100 percent for the kids.”