Coach D's First 30 Days

What are you most excited about in your new role?

The opportunity to lead young men at such a fantastic academic institution was one of the driving components that led me to apply.

What are your goals for the remainder of Spring off-season and leading into Summer?

As is the case with all football programs across the country, the off-season is where you build towards the results you are looking for in the fall. We are already four weeks into our strength and condition program and I am inspired by the work ethic thus far of the men in the program. This will lay a foundation of accountability and preparation to create a standard for the freshman and transfers that will join us in the summer.

What are some of the highlights from your first 30 days at De Anza?

I think the welcoming campus community and the enthusiasm that they have expressed is a real highlight to my start here. This campus has so many excellent professionals and resources that have made me realize that running the program here doesn't have to be a solo act and that is a reassuring feeling when transitioning to a new institution.

How has the local football community welcomed you to the area?

With the COVID wave we have recently experienced I was really concerned that would impact the ability to embed myself into the local football community but this was not the case. Former legendary De Anza College head coach Dan Atencio reached out my first day on the job and has been a tremendous resource for me and I appreciate his wisdom and encouragement in these first few weeks. Local high school football coaches have been very welcoming and many of them reached out to me before I had the chance to get into contact with them. Beginning next week (Week #5) I will be able to dedicate mornings on Tuesday and Thursday to get out and get on our local high school campuses and really looking forward to recruiting our local players.

What are you looking for in football recruits interested in joining De Anza?

We want recruits who are passionate about football, demonstrate strong character, and embrace being a student-athlete. This is a tremendous opportunity for a young man to leave their athletic recruiting window open while continuing their academic pursuits at a top tier community college.  

How would you describe your coaching style?

I think my style is intense and passionate but with that edge I never forget that the young man I am entrusted with are sons, brothers, grandsons, uncles, nephews and they deserve to be treated as such and our relationship has worth and value beyond the field of play.

Your favorite part(s) about De Anza, so far?

First, the players who are holdovers from last season. Transitions and changes can be a challenge and they have welcomed me and are believing in the shared vision for DA football moving forward with great enthusiasm. Additionally, having the ability to have candid and open discussions with President Holmes and Dean Mendoza that make sure we are all in alignment on the direction of the football program is worth note. Football has a lot of moving parts and support required; it has been refreshing to know that we have senior leadership invested in the development of these young men who want to see them successful but more importantly driven to transfer.