Dennis Bene is back. Sort of.Β
The longtime Salpointe Catholic head coach will return to the sidelines as a defensive line coach on first-year head coach Al Alexander's staff at Sahuaro. Bene joining the Cougars' coaching staff was first reported by AllSportsTucson.com .
Bene retired from his post at Salpointe Catholic at the conclusion of the 2019 season after leading his alma mater for 19 seasons. Bene went 184-44 (.807) overall, won 14 regional championships and coached the Lancers to a state championship in 2013; that team, which went 14-0 that season, is considered arguably the best team in Tucson high school football history. Bene, who was succeeded by current Lancers head coach Eric Rogers, is the winningest head coach in Salpointe Catholic history.Β
"Taking a few years off has been great," Bene told the Star in a text message Wednesday morning. "Now I am enjoying being around the game again. I always loved watching film and practices. Working with Al is very natural. He was key to our great success at Salpointe, and now, as he has worked so hard to become a head coach. Supporting him is really important personally for me. The kids at Sahuaro have been great and I am enjoying being back."Β
Salpointe Catholic star quarterback Treyson Bourguet, who's now a freshman at Western Michigan, told the Star in 2019 that βCoach Bene had a big impact on me, not just in football but outside of football.β
Keep reading with a digital access subscription.
Bourguet was among the plethora of high-profile players under Bene's tutelage for 19 seasons, along with ex-Wildcat Cam Denson β now Sahuaro's current defensive backs coach β and Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom, among others. The most productive and highest-recruited star at Salpointe Catholic during the Bene era was current Texas Longhorns running back and Heisman Trophy hopeful Bijan Robinson, who set the big-school record with 7,036 yards and 114 touchdowns; coincidentally, Robinson set the record in a regular season game at Sahuaro during his final season.Β
βHe was the reason why I went to Salpointe," Robinson told ESPN Tucson and the Star in 2019 . "I wasnβt sure where I was gonna go to high school. Just him as a person and how he represents himself. β¦ When you get to talk to him, you know heβs a real dude.
"Heβll help you through life, through football, through whatever you need. During recruiting, I wanted to see how college coaches were like him. How he is as a person and as a coach, heβll be hard on you sometimes, but itβs tough love. And heβll make sure to give you a hug before you leave the field. I can call him as another father to me, because of what heβs taught me over the years. Heβs a big part of Salpointe and my life.β
Sahuaro opens the 2022 season Friday night at Chandler Seton Catholic.Β
Photos: Dennis Bene retires as Salpointe High School football coach
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 14, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene gathers his players for a post game talk after beating Vista Grande in the season finale at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene listens to Charlie Raetzman during the third quarter of the Lancers' game against Vista Grande in the season finale at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 14, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene holds senior Trent Strong during the Senior Night ceremonies before kick-off against Vista Grande at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Feb 26, 2020
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene gathers his Lancers before they head back to the field for the second half against Vista Grande at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Head coach Dennis Bene runs his offensive unit through game films of their upcoming opponent as Lancers prepare to travel to Catalina Foothills, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 23, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Apr 26, 2023
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene proves to running back Bijan Robinson he has big hands too, during the team's practice session, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 22, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene fills in a bit, taking a few snaps as a running back while working with his offensive unit at practice, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 15, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene and his staff watch the Lancers on a goal line stand late in the fourth quarter against Casa Grande at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 11, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 16, 2019
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene working with the team, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 22, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Lancers head coach Dennis Bene watches as his team takes on the Glendale Cactus Cobras during a game at Salpointe Catholic High School Friday, Sept. 20, 2019.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Head coach Dennis Bene talks to the offensive unit during a pre-practice meant with his Salpointe Lancers, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 23, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Head coach Dennis Bene signals a play as the Lancers runs through their offensive scheme at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 23, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Head coach Dennis Bene gathers his Salpointe Lancers at mid-field for a post-practice talks, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 23, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene walks off the field after his last regular season game in charge of the Lancers' in their season finale against Vista Grande at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene, Salpointe HS football coach
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene watches his team go against Casa Grande at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 11, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Head coach Dennis Bene gathers his Lancers for a pre-game talk just before their practice session at Salpointe High School, Tucson, Ariz., August 7, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Head coach Dennis Bene, left, talks routes with a receiver during Salpointe Catholic High School football practice at the school, 1545 E. Copper St., on Aug. 1, 2018, in Tucson.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene pleads his case to the head referee in the third quarter against Del Valle at Salpionte High School on September 7, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene gives his quarterback Jackson Bolin (14) the offensive play as the clock winds down on the Lancer's 27-0 win overTucson at Kino Sports Complex, Friday, September 8, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene walks off the field after the first half of the Salpointe Catholic vs. Cienega high school football game at Cienega High School, 12775 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, on Sept. 28, 2017, in Vail, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene looks for answers in trying to solve the Saguaro defense in the second quarter of their 4A state championship game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday, December 2, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic running back Mario Padilla, right, hugs head coach Dennis Bene following the Lancers' victory against Sunrise Mountain in the 4A state semifinal playoff football game on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.
Ralph Freso / for the Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic head coach Dennis Bene yells at an official after an interception against Sunrise Mountain was ruled incomplete during the first half of their 4A state semifinal playoff football game on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.
Ralph Freso / for the Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene adjusts his offensive unit during a second quarter drive against Mountain View at Salpointe High Schoo on August 26, 2016, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene sends his quarterback Sean Barton (15) in with a play on a Lancer drive late in the third quarter against Marcos de Niza in their 4A state playoff game at Salpointe Catholic High School, Thursday, November 10, 2016, Tucson.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic High School senior Taylor Powell shakes hands with football coach Dennis Bene during the signing day celebration in 2015.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Cameron Denson hugs head football coach Dennis Bene at a ceremony for the Salpointe High School athletes signing letters of intent, Wednesday, February 5, 2014, Tucson.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
A shaft of sunlight beaming through rain falling east of the school falls on head coach Dennis Bene and the Lancers during practice at Salpointe High School, July 29, 2015, Tucson.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Head coach Dennis Bene teaches blocking technique during practice at Salpointe High School, July 29, 2015.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's head coach Dennis Bene watches the game unfold from his perch atop the announcer's box against Tucson in the third quarter of their game at Salpointe Catholic High School on Oct. 23, 2015, Tucson.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene shares a moment with daughter Mia Bene, 8, during practice on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at the high school, 1545 E. Copper St., in Tucson.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene goes over plays as he meets with his coaching staff in his office before practice on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at the high school, 1545 E. Copper St., in Tucson.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene watches his team practice on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at the high school, 1545 E. Copper St., in Tucson, Ariz. Bene leads his squad into Friday's state semifinal game against Glendale Deer Valley High School at Marana High School.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene meets with his coaching staff in his office before practice on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene leads the team as they break for practice on Nov. 21, 2013.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene hugs his family as the second tick down during the fourth quarter of the Division II state championship high school football game between Scottsdale Chaparral and Salpointe Catholic on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won the state title with a 46-20 victory over the Firebirds.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene pumps his fists in the air in front of the Lancer fans as the second tick down during the Division II state championship high school football game between Scottsdale Chaparral and Salpointe Catholic on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won the state title with a 46-20 victory over the Firebirds.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene is treated to an ice water bath as the seconds tick down during the second half of the Division II state championship high school football game between Scottsdale Chaparral and Salpointe Catholic on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won the state title with a 46-20 victory over the Firebirds.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's Dennis Bene celebrates with his players after their 30-14 win one previously unbeaten Ironwood Ridge at Salpointe Catholic High School, Friday, October 26, 2012,Tucson.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic assistant coach Bob Logan gets head coach Dennis Bene with a pie after winning his 100th game against Ironwood Ridge on Friday, October 28, 2011, in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won 27-13.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe Catholic coach Dennis Bene greets his players after winning his 100th game as the team defeated Ironwood Ridge High School 27-13 on Friday, October 28, 2011, in Tucson.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head football coach Dennis Bene talks to his team as quarterback Trevor Eggleston listens closely during practice on August 10th, 2007.
James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe's Chris Ciarvella (54) and his teammates celebrate after dousing their head coach Dennis Bene with water in celebration of their win over Sunnyside 27-16 in 2006.
Renee Bracamonte / Tucson Citizen
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 23, 2019
Salpointe Catholic head coach Dennis Bene exhorts his team before practice on August 16, 2004.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene speaks to the offensive line during a scrimmage at practice, August 12, 2003.
Renee Sauer / Arizona Daily Star
Sapolinte HS football coach Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe head Football coach Dennis Bene talks with his players during his football teams practice held at Salpointe on November 26, 2002.
James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe High School quarterback Dennis Bene (11) during a game against Amphitheater High School in Tucson, October, 1993.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe High School quarterback Dennis Bene (11) gets off a pass just before getting tacked by Sunnyside High School defenders in September, 1983.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
Dennis Bene
Updated
Nov 12, 2019
Salpointe High School quarterback Dennis Bene (11) during a game against Amphitheater High School in Tucson, October, 1993.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star
Contact sports producer Justin Spears at 573-4312 orΒ jspears@tucson.com . On Twitter: @JustinESports