Jim Rabbitt, who spent ten years constructing the football program at KIPP Academy in Lynn, Massachusetts, announced this week that he will resign as head coach to accept the same position at Wakefield High.
A Program Built from Scratch
When he arrived, the program had no history, no tradition and no playoff appearances. Through relentless effort, Rabbitt turned the team into a consistent Div. 8 playoff contender, guiding dozens of athletes onto college campuses and, in some cases, back onto the sidelines as coaches.
Acknowledging the Foundations
Rabbitt was quick to point to Athletic Director Anthony Grimaldi and his wife Lillian as the steady forces behind the program’s rise, noting that their unwavering support created the environment in which the team could thrive.
A New Chapter in Lynn’s Football Landscape
The move marks a symbolic shift: from cultivating a fledgling program to steering an established high‑school tradition. Rabbitt will remain a resource for his former players, promising to stay involved with KIPP while building on Wakefield’s existing culture.
Leadership Transition
Marcus Taylor, a longtime assistant, has been named the new head coach at KIPP, ensuring continuity for a program that has become a cornerstone of Lynn’s rich football heritage alongside rivals such as Lynn English, Lynn Classical, Lynn Tech and St. Mary’s.
In his farewell remarks, Rabbitt expressed gratitude for the community’s support and outlined his intention to remain a mentor for the next generation of players, hoping to see the same pipeline of college opportunities and coaching returns continue.