A family business

Browns feature (Grandfather and grandson with NH Football)Newport Harbor assistant Bill Brown has helped grandson Billy Brown mature into a standout player for the Sailors.In 24 seasons at Newport Harbor High, assistant football coach Bill Brown has helped hundreds of boys navigate toward manhood.

But the last few years, he has taken a special interest in the development of one player -- his grandson, Billy Brown.

Billy Brown, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound starting tight end and outside linebacker, has helped the Sailors (9-3) share a Sea View League championship and advance to Saturday’s CIF Southern Section Division VI semifinal at Tustin at 7:30 p.m.

“It has been exciting to see his growth, up close and personal,” Bill Brown said.

In addition to their time together on the field, the elder Brown often drives the younger Brown home. And while Bill Brown’s responsibilities coaching the running backs often preclude him from working personally with his grandson, the elder Brown is always eager to pass along advice on football and other matters.

“He gives me encouragement,” said Billy Brown, who has 16 receptions for 207 yards and two touchdowns this season and is the Tars’ fourth-leading tackler. “If I’ve had a bad practice, it can be a little frustrating. But I realize he is always trying to help me and I appreciate it.”

Billy Brown said his grandfather’s emphasis on academics has also been important.

“He helps me with my school work,” he said.

“I like to hear from his teachers,” said Bill Brown, a walk-on coach who is a retired swimming pool builder. “He has made a pretty big turnaround in the classroom. I guess you could say I’m his grade check.”

On game nights, Bill Brown works from the press box, assisting Coach Jeff Brinkley -- who is also the offensive coordinator -- and advising the running backs.

“When we’re on offense, I have to watch my guys,” Bill Brown said. “But I can watch Billy a little on defense.”

Billy Brown said his grandpa is considered a favorite among Sailor players.

“He’s the first person guys go to if they need to talk,” he said. “The running backs tell me he makes things fun and that he’s always cracking jokes.”

Brinkley said Bill Brown has been invaluable to the Newport Harbor program’s success during the head coach’s 20 seasons at the helm.

“First of all, Bill is a great man,” Brinkley said. “He really cares about the kids and he has a real good way of relating to these guys. He isn’t a rah-rah type, but the kids love him so much, they want to perform for him. They always want to earn his approval. He’s the kind of guy you’d want your son to play for.”

Bill Brown, whose sons -- Bill Jr. (Billy’s father) and Tim -- both played at Newport Harbor (Class of 1983 and 1972, respectively), said he still savors the coaching experience.

Bill Brown played football at Muir High in Pasadena, as well as in the Marine Corps. He began coaching his sons when they were in the Jr. All-American youth program.

“Watching the kids grown into young men, both mentally and physically, has really been exciting,” he said. “Then, when they come back to visit after they’ve graduated, you can really see how they’ve progressed.”

Billy Brown has progressed into a valuable player, on both sides of the ball, Brinkley said.

“He decided he was going to be a real good player this year and he worked hard in the weight room to make sure everything fell into place,” Brinkley said. “I think he figured it out and things have really clicked for him this year.”

Both Browns said being able to share the Newport Harbor football experience is something that has added to their bond.

“There’s a lot of things nobody knows about the team, but us,” Bill Brown said.