Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

Brian was born in Yankton, South Dakota on March 1, 1968. He graduated from Hartford Union High School in 1986, where he lettered in basketball and football. He was inducted into the Hartford Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Leair graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education.  He also earned a Masters Degree in Athletic Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2001. 

Leair began his coaching career in 1992 as a freshman coach at Hartford Union High School. In 1993 he moved on to Cedarburg High School where he was hired as a physical education teacher and served as an assistant football, basketball, and track coach. He was promoted to head football coach in 1996 and quickly turned around a program which had only experienced two winning seasons in the previous 25 years.

The Bulldogs qualified for the WIAA state playoffs in 23 of 26 seasons, appeared in 46 playoff games, reached the 2010 WIAA Division II State Championship game and advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2011, and 2014. They also won the North Shore Conference Championships in 1999, 2002, 2011, and 2014. 

At the time of his selection for the WFCA Hall of Fame, Leair compiled an overall record of 180-97. He was named the North Shore Conference Coach of the Year in 1997, 1999, 2002, 2011, 2014, the WFCA District XXII Coach of the Year in 2001 and was selected as an assistant coach for the WFCA All-Star Game 2000, 2011, and 2015. 

There have been many individuals who had a profound impact on the development of Leair’s coaching philosophy.  Among the most influential were his high school coaches, Pete Hoffmann (WFCA Hall of Fame), Dave Rusch (WFCA Influence Award), Doran Timmer, as well as Phil Datka (WFCA Hall of Fame Coach, Germantown High School) and Sandy Finger (Athletic Director/Coach Cedarburg High School). 

Leair has coached many outstanding young men and worked with several dedicated assistant coaches. The success of the Cedarburg football program would not have been possible without the considerable efforts of these individuals.

Lastly, Leair thanks his wife Beth whose love and support has been the primary reason for any success he has experienced. They have four wonderful children: Alli, Jake, Abby and Luke. Their patience and devotion has allowed him to pursue his passion for coaching.  Football has truly been a family affair.