He is the Northeast Scouting Director for the Detroit Tigers and was previously the head coach of UNC Asheville (1991–1994) and Hartford (1995–1997).
Pitcher Marc Rosenbalm, who was named to the Big South's all-conference and all-tournament teams in 1991, signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners following the season.
[6][7][8][9] Bretz's coaching staffs at Asheville included Sammy Stewart, an ex-Major League pitcher attempting a comeback from cocaine addiction.
Bretz said of Stewart in a press interview: "I'd heard all about his drug and alcohol problems, but the guy just made a mistake.
"[10] Prior to the start of the 1995 season, Bretz was hired as the head coach of Hartford, a position he held from 1995–1997.
Prior to the season, many players that had played for or been recruited by previous head coach Moe Morhardt quit the program.
[12][16] At Hartford, Bretz coached future Major Leaguer Earl Snyder, who played for the program from 1995–1998.
At Hartford, he set career records for home runs and RBI and was named to multiple all-conference and all-region teams.
[21][22][23] His signees include Will Venable, Andy Parrino, Brad Brach, Travis Jankowski, Luke Carlin, Nick Greenwood, Brett Kennedy, Brendan White, and Jason Foley.
[6][13] Bretz's father, James, worked as a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates, among several other areas of professional baseball.