BREAKING: Just five days after clinching a state championship, Bishop O’Dowd head football coach Hardy Nickerson has accepted a position as the new head coach at JSerra Catholic in San Juan Capistrano. This historic move makes Nickerson the first Black head football coach in the prestigious Trinity League, as announced by the school on Wednesday.
The announcement comes on the heels of O’Dowd’s stunning victory over Christian-El Cajon, where the team secured a 37-0 win in the CIF Division 5-AA state championship last Friday. The game took place at Fullerton Union High School District Stadium, marking a triumphant ending to Nickerson’s fourth year at O’Dowd.
Nickerson leaves O’Dowd with an impressive 31-17 record, having led the team to three consecutive postseason appearances. His leadership was pivotal in transforming the team’s fortunes, especially after a challenging 1-3 start to the season. In a recent statement, he expressed his pride in the team: “They were dead in the water at 1-3, but the kids just kept buying in, kept working and kept coming to practice and things started to turn around. And now, here we are.”
JSerra Catholic’s hiring decision was competitive, with over 100 applicants vying for the role. The school confirmed the appointment in an email to parents, emphasizing their excitement about Nickerson’s arrival. The new role offers a lucrative salary package of up to $200,000, solidifying JSerra’s commitment to fostering a successful football program.
Nickerson returns to his roots, being a graduate of Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles. He steps in for former coach Victor Santa Cruiz, who was dismissed last month. This transition is significant not only for the school but for the league, which has seen limited diversity in coaching staff.
As O’Dowd looks to the future, Nickerson’s departure raises questions about the team’s next steps. Despite a promising roster poised to return, he refrained from discussing future plans after the championship win, stating, “We’re going to celebrate tonight and then we’ll move forward.”
This coaching change is set against the backdrop of one of the most dynamic coaching seasons in California high school football history, with several notable figures, including former NFL star Philip Rivers, rumored to be in contention for various coaching positions.
As this news develops, fans and players alike are eager to see how Nickerson will reshape the program at JSerra Catholic. His proven track record and inspirational leadership style may herald a new era for the school’s football future.
Stay tuned for updates on Hardy Nickerson’s transition and its impact on both JSerra Catholic and Bishop O’Dowd football programs.
