A fresh slate of leadership
The 2025 offseason has produced one of the most extensive turnover of head coaches in recent memory, with 112 new appointments across the Southern Section. The flurry of hires reflects a league eager to reset after a season marked by underperformance, program suspensions and high‑profile scandals.
Among the most visible changes, Dennis Keyes has taken the helm at Bishop Alemany, stepping in after Aaron Huerta presided over a 1‑9 campaign. At Beverly Hills, Jeff Bailey inherits a program that has endured five winless seasons and three single‑win years since 2010. Oscar McBride, a former CIF Southern Section champion at Murrieta Mesa, returns to Southern California to resurrect Bishop Montgomery, a school that saw its 2025 season cancelled amid a scandal.
The appointments also carry historic significance. Hardy Nickerson, a former NFL standout with the Steelers and Packers, becomes the first Black head coach in the Trinity League at JSerra High School. Meanwhile, Travon Patterson, a Long Beach Poly alumnus, is set to lead his alma mater for the first time since 2013, marking a rare homecoming for a former player turned head coach. Rudy Carlton, previously the offensive coordinator at JSerra, will now coach Oaks Christian, replacing Charlie Collins whose program had been in decline.
Other notable moves include Ray Fenton, who captured a CIF Southern Section Division 2 title with Los Alamitos in 2025, now steering Orange Lutheran. Rick Garretson, a Servite graduate who built a powerhouse at Chandler High in Arizona, returns to his roots to coach the Friars. Dean Herrington takes over at St. Bernard, a school that missed two seasons due to an FBI and IRS investigation, aiming to restore stability and competitiveness.
The broader narrative is one of renewal. Each new coach brings a distinct background — from former NFL players to seasoned assistants — who are tasked with revitalizing struggling programs, rebuilding community ties and chasing the next championship. As the season approaches, the Southern Section braces for a year defined by fresh strategies, historic milestones and the promise of a new era.