Retired NFL veterans Bryant Young and Alex Smith have taken on new roles as assistant coaches at Saint Francis High School, bringing decades of professional experience to the Lancers' program.
Young, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle who anchored the San Francisco 49ers' line from 1994 to 2007, will oversee the team's defensive schemes, while Smith, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick and three‑time Pro Bowler, will guide the offense.
Both coaches have personal ties to the school; each has a child attending Saint Francis, a factor that helped shape their decision to give back to the community that shaped their own sons' athletic journeys.
A New Era for the Lancers
The coaching staff will also feature two alumni of the program, Hudson Mesa and Momo Wilmer, who return to contribute their knowledge and energy. Their addition underscores the school's tradition of developing talent both on and off the field.
The Lancers, who boast a record 17 Central Coast Section championships, open the 2026 season on August 28 against Manteca High School, a matchup that promises to showcase the fresh leadership and the continued prominence of Bay Area high school football.