Tony Mottola, the longtime head coach of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School football team, announced his resignation after guiding the program through four memorable seasons.
During his tenure the Vineyarders captured two league championships and added two Island Cups, cementing a period of sustained success for the school.
A Move to Florida
Mottola revealed that he will be relocating to Bonita Springs High School in Florida, where he hopes to continue building on the foundation he helped create on the island.
Longtime assistant Zeke Vought will step into the head‑coach role this fall, inheriting a roster that has benefited from strong community backing and a culture of excellence.
Athletic Director Mark McCarthy pushed back against narratives of underfunding, emphasizing that the team operates with full financial support and receives additional gear from the Island’s Touchdown Club, which supplies travel bags and other equipment.
In a heartfelt statement, Mottola thanked the Martha’s Vineyard community for its unwavering encouragement, noting that the island’s spirit has been a constant source of motivation.
He also acknowledged the logistical hurdles inherent to coaching on a geographically isolated campus, where limited resources have required creative solutions and strong volunteer involvement.
Looking Forward
While the transition marks the end of an era, school officials expressed confidence that Vought’s leadership, combined with continued community engagement, will keep the program competitive and resilient.
The move to Florida represents a new chapter for Mottola, who leaves with a legacy of championships and a deep connection to the island’s football culture.