Casey Neligh, who steered the Pajaro Valley High football program for three seasons, announced that he will not return as head coach for the 2026 fall campaign. The decision follows his removal from the position earlier this year, a move tied to budget reductions within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.
Nelgh has already transitioned to a new role as athletic director at Seaside High, a position he will assume on July 1. The shift comes after a 6‑4 record in 2025, the best finish the team has posted in recent memory.
During the 2025 season the Vikings posted a 5‑1 mark in Pacific Coast Athletic League Santa Lucia Division play, finishing as runners‑up behind a dominant league champion. Overall, Neligh’s tenure yielded an 11‑19 record, but his impact was evident in the program’s steady improvement.
Budget Pressures Reshape District Priorities
The financial constraints that led to Neligh’s departure are part of a broader austerity drive. Pajaro Valley Unified is slashing assistant principal posts at all 17 elementary schools for the 2026‑27 school year, and the cuts have also hit non‑tenured staff, including coaches without long‑term contracts.
Leadership Voices Weigh In
Joe Manfre, the district’s current athletic director, publicly acknowledged Neligh’s contributions, noting that the coach “elevated the program’s competitiveness and culture.” Manfre’s endorsement underscores the respect Neligh earned among peers despite the fiscal turbulence.
Looking ahead, the Vikings will seek a new head coach to build on the foundation laid over the past three years. Meanwhile, Seaside High gains an experienced administrator who brings a proven track record of program development, signaling a fresh chapter for both schools amid a landscape of shrinking resources.