Everett High names Robert De Loretta as new head football coach

Everett High School on Friday announced the hiring of Robert De Loretta as its new head football coach.

Dennis Lynch, principal of Everett High School, opened the event in the Crimson Cafe and introduced the district’s athletic leadership and search committee before the formal announcement. Lynch said the school community — "from our student athletes to our faculty and staff" — was "excited to welcome you all here today."

Tammy Turner, athletic director for Everett High School, described a multi-stage search that began in December and thanked the search committee and district leadership. Turner introduced Superintendent Phil Harp and said the district had screened candidates against "significant requirements to become a head football coach here in Everett." She credited the committee for vetting finalists and forwarding candidates for final conversations with the superintendent and principal.

Former Everett player Jason Nature, introduced during the event and identified in remarks as a two-time state champion and a member of the Miami Dolphins, described how Everett’s football program shaped his life. "Everett has the most special place in my heart," Nature said, recounting his move to Everett at age 12 and the role football played in keeping young people engaged.

Superintendent Phil Harp and members of the search committee — including assistant athletic director Steve Gallagher, former player and Access TV member Josh Delguezo, Paulo L'Embracia, teacher Sue Lomas, assistant principal Jim Murphy, music director Jean O'Brien and communications director Dave O'Connor — were acknowledged for their roles in the process. Harp said he reviewed finalists forwarded by the committee and that the candidate selected "has a long and proven track record as an educational leader and a winning coach."

The new coach, Robert De Loretta, addressed the audience, thanked district leaders and family members in attendance and pledged to prioritize relationships, academics and community. "I will be a positive, role model for our players. I will stress student athletes...academics will be a priority," De Loretta said, adding that the program will include band, cheer and other school groups "in everything we do." He said he planned to begin meeting players the following Monday to build trust and set standards.

Mayor de Maria and other city and school leaders attended the announcement. The event concluded with photographs and brief remarks of thanks.

No formal board vote on the hire was recorded in the provided transcript of the event; the announcement was presented as the superintendent’s appointment and a community celebration.