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Photos: Tucson's Top 25 high school football coaches
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Photos: Tucson's Top 25 high school football coaches

  • Aug 2, 2014
  • Aug 2, 2014 Updated Sep 30, 2015

Here are the Star's choices for Tucson's best high school football coaches.

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi High School head football coach Vern Friedli leads his players during practice.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star 2006

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi High School head football coach Vern Friedli tells a player which offensive play to run during practice Aug. 8, 2006.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi High School head football coach Vern Friedli calls roll at the start of practice Aug. 8, 2006.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Head coach Vern Friedli directs his team during practice at Amphi High School Sept. 11, 2003.

Max Becherer / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi head coach Vern Friedli talks with quarterback Zach Roth during the first half of Amphi's game against Douglas, Nov. 7, 2008.

Chris Coduto / Special to the Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi head coach Vern Friedli talks with quarterback Andy Humphreys during the second quarter of Amphi's game against Santa Rita, Oct. 5, 2007.

Chris Coduto / Special to the Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi High School head coach Vern Friedli, center, gets looked at by a UA staff member as UA head football coach Mike Stoops, left, and others look on after UA's Brandon Lopez bowled him over on the sideline during UA's first scrimmage of the spring at Arizona Stadium, April 1, 2006 in Tucson, Ariz.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi football coach Vern Friedli talks on the sidelines to one of his players Nov. 20, 2006.

Gary Gaynor / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphitheater High School football coach Vern Friedli talks to a player on Nov. 22, 1996.

Bruce McClelland / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi High School head coach Vern Friedli keeps an eye on his team as they work through drills at Amphi High School in Tucson, Ariz., on Aug. 27, 2002.

Max Becherer

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Palo Verde High School football coach Todd Mayfield, left, and Amphitheater coach Vern Friedli share a moment before the start of the game on Sept. 23, 2009, in Tucson, Ariz.

A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi football head coach Vern Friedli Aug. 8, 2009 in Tucson, Ariz.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi High School head football coach Vern Friedli leads his players during practice Aug. 8, 2006.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi High School head football coach Vern Friedli leads his players during practice Aug. 8, 2006.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 1 Vern Friedli

Amphi High School head football coach Vern Friedli watches his players warmup during practice Aug. 8, 2006.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Sunnyside High School coach Richard Sanchez, right, gets a hug from his assistant coach Saturnino Santa Cruz on the sidelines after the Blue Devils defeated the Phoenix Greenway Demons in the 4A Football State Championship game in Tempe, Ariz., on Dec. 8, 2001.

A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Sunnyside head coach Richard Sanchez gathers his players during practice at Sunnyside High School, Aug. 8, 2007 in Tucson, Ariz.

James Gregg / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Sunnyside head coach Richard Sanchez talks with his players during a timeout at the 4A state quarter final football game Nov. 23, 2001.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Richard Sanchez, Sunnyside High football and wrestling coach, Sept. 30, 1996.

Arizona Daily Star

060721-tuc-spt-hansenproject-p1

060721-tuc-spt-hansenproject-p1

Sunnyside High School coach Richard Sanchez holds up a trophy after the Blue Devils won the Class 4A State Championship game in 2001.

Sergei Shayevich

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 2 Richard Sanchez

Sunnyside coach Richard Sanchez talks to some members of the Sunnyside High School varsity football team during practice Aug. 16, 2006.

Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Legendary football coach Ollie Mayfield, right, talks with the other coach from the side line of practice at Palo Verde High School, Nov. 29, 2005.

Lindsay A. Miller / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Legendary football coach Ollie Mayfield hugs Ken Locklin, a defensive coordinator for the Palo Verde High School football team, Nov. 29, 2005. Locklin used to be MayfieldÕs student in high school.

Lindsay A. Miller / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Former head coach Ollie Mayfield, left, and head coach for Palo Verde Todd Mayfield share a laugh after the win at Arizona Stadium in the 4A-II State Title Game on Dec. 2, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz. Palo Verde High School beat Mingus High School 15-7.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson High School football coach Ollie Mayfield looks on during a game against Palo Verde HS on Sept. 19, 1975.

Lew Elliott / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson High School football coach Ollie Mayfield looks on during a game against Palo Verde HS on Sept. 19, 1975.

Lew Elliott / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Sabino High School football coach Ollie Mayfield celebrates a 9-7 victory over Salpointe High School on Sept. 16, 1977.

Joan Rennick / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Legendary football coach Ollie Mayfield watches his son Todd, second from left, the head football coach for Palo Verde High School, during practice in Tucson, Ariz., on Nov. 22, 2005.

A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Ollie Mayfield, Sabino High School football coach, Oct. 17, 1977.

Jack W. Sheaffer

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 3 Ollie Mayfield

Ollie Mayfield, left, Tucson High head football coach from 1970 to 1977, has returned to the sidelines on Oct. 14, 1983 as an assistant to his son, Todd, who has guided the Badgers to a first-place standing in their league.

Xavier Gallegos / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Jeff Scurran is carried off the field after leading Sabino High School to the 1998 state 4A football title on Dec. 11, 1998.

Xavier Gallegos / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Santa Rita head coach Jeff Scurran tells his team to smile, despite losing at the time 7-0 with under seven minutes left in the 4A II State Championship game against Cactus Cobras on Dec. 5, 2009. Santa Rita lost 14-0. It was Scurran's last game as head football coach at Santa Rita.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Santa Rita head coach Jeff Scurran hugs his grandson, seven year-old Julian Robinson, after his team lost to Cactus Cobras in the 4A II State Championship game 14-0 on Dec. 5, 2009. It was Scurran's last game as head football coach at Santa Rita.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Santa Rita head coach Jeff Scurran kisses his grandson, seven year-old Julian Robinson, after his team lost to Cactus Cobras in the 4A II State Championship game 14-0 on Dec. 5, 2009. It was Scurran's last game as head football coach at Santa Rita.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

First-year Santa Rita head football coach, Jeff Scurran, left, raises his hands as his team defeated Pueblo at home by the score of 25-13 on Aug. 24, 2007.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Santa Rita head coach Jeff Scurran celebrates with his team after defeating Palo Verde in the 4A Gila Region championship game at Santa Rita High School in Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 26, 2007.

Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Santa Rita head coach Jeff Scurran leaps into the arms of players after they posted a 47-13 win over Coronado in the 4A-II state semifinal at Paradise Valley High School, Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 28, 2008.

Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Catalina Foothills head coach Jeff Scurran reacts to a CDO fumble that was nearly recovered by the Falcons during the fourth quarter of the Canyon del Oro vs. Catalina Foothills high school football game Oct. 4, 2013, at Catalina Foothills High School in Tucson, Ariz. CDO won 19-12.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Team members finish up their lunches as Catalina Foothills High School football coach Jeff Scurran analyzes football videos on Oct. 30, 2013 in preparation for their upcoming games in Tucson, Ariz.

Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 4 Jeff Scurran

Sabino High School head football coach Jeff Scurran holds up the 4A High School Football Championship trophy above his head with the help of his team on Dec. 11, 1998 after they defeated Agua Fria High School at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

Michelle Conway / East Valley Tribune

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Coach Rollin T. Gridley, circa 1925.

Handout photo

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Tucson High School's 1939 football team coached by Rollin T. Gridley, bottom row, far left, and B.C. "Bud" Doolen, far right.

Handout photo

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Rollin Gridley, right, and Frank Borman, Jan. 10, 1966. Star file photo by Jack Sheaffer.

Jack Sheaffer

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

At age 95 on Sept. 2, 1999, Rollin Gridley was the oldest living UA football player, and his memories of his days at the UA are still vivid. After his playing days, Gridley went on to become a legendary coach at Tucson High School. A football signed by numerous players is a memento given to him at a banquet in Phoenix nearly a decade ago.

Jeffry Scott / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 5 Rollin Gridley

Rollin T. Gridley is on familiar ground when he talks about Tucson High School. Arizona Daily Star file photo taken Oct. 15, 1983 by Joy Wolf.

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe coach Dennis Bene hugs one of his players, Chris Ciarvella (54), during their victory celebration Nov. 21, 2006.

Renee Bracamonte / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe head Football coach Dennis Bene talks with his players during his football teams practice held at Salpointe, Nov. 26, 2002 in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe was 12-0 in the regular season.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe head Football coach Dennis Bene reacts to a play during his football team's practice held at Salpointe, Nov. 26, 2002 in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe was 12-0 in the regular season.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene is treated to an ice water bath as the seconds tick down during the second half of the Division II state championship high school football game between Scottsdale Chaparral and Salpointe Catholic on Nov. 29, 2013, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won the state title with a 46-20 victory over the Firebirds.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene pumps his fists in the air in front of the Lancer fans as the seconds tick down during the Division II state championship high school football game between Scottsdale Chaparral and Salpointe Catholic on Nov. 29, 2013, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won the state title with a 46-20 victory over the Firebirds.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene, left, kisses daughter Mia, 8, as the seconds tick down during the fourth quarter of the Division II state championship high school football game between Scottsdale Chaparral and Salpointe Catholic on Nov. 29, 2013, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won the state title with a 46-20 victory over the Firebirds.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe head coach Dennis Bene hugs his family as the seconds tick down during the fourth quarter of the Division II state championship high school football game between Scottsdale Chaparral and Salpointe Catholic on Nov. 29, 2013, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won the state title with a 46-20 victory over the Firebirds.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene watches his team practice on Nov. 21, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene watches his team practice on Nov. 21, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene watches his team practice on Nov. 21, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe Catholic High School football coach Dennis Bene watches his team practice on Nov. 21, 2013, in Tucson, Ariz.

Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe Catholic assistant coach Bob Logan gets head coach Dennis Bene with a pie after winning his 100th game against Ironwood Ridge on Oct. 28, 2011, in Tucson, Ariz. Salpointe won 27-13.

A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe's Dennis Bene celebrates with his players after their 30-14 win over previously unbeaten Ironwood Ridge at Salpointe Catholic High School, Oct. 26, 2012, Tucson, Ariz.

Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe Catholic head coach Dennis Bene exhorts his team before practice Aug. 16, 2004, at the Tucson, Ariz., high school.

Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 6 Dennis Bene

Salpointe head football coach Dennis Bene, left, talks to his team as quarterback Trevor Eggleston, right, listens closely, during the team's practice Aug. 10, 2007 in Tucson, Ariz.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 7 Howard Breinig

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 7 Howard Breinig

Coach Howard Breinig of the 2013 Sabino High School football team on Aug. 13, 2013 in Tucson, Ariz.

Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 8 Wayne Jones

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 8 Wayne Jones

Mountain View head coach Wayne Jones gets the attention of referees, Sept. 9, 2005 during a game against Amphi.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 8 Wayne Jones

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 8 Wayne Jones

Wayne Jones, head football coach at Mountain View High School, Aug. 14, 2002.

James Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 8 Wayne Jones

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 8 Wayne Jones

Mountain View High School head coach Wayne Jones shares a laugh with the officiating crew prior to the game against Sierra Vista Buena, Marana, Ariz., Oct. 6, 2006.

Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Flowing Wells High School football coach Larry Hart in 1978.

Arizona Daily Star file

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Larry Hart, third from right, with his 1974 Flowing Wells coaching staff. Photo courtesy Larry Hart.

Courtesy Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Larry Hart from his senior yearbook at Amphi High School 1949.

Handout photo

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Larry Hart runs on the field before a 1966 Flowing Wells High School game. Photo taken from 1966 FWHS yearbook the "Spur".

Handout photo

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Portrait of Larry Hart for sports millenium series. Taken on Flowing Wells High School football field, July 28, 1999.

Aaron J. Latham / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Larry Hart coaches a Flowing Wells High School game in 1966. Photo taken from the "Spur" 1966 FWHS.

Handout photo

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

From left, Bob Hart, Ben Rincon and Larry Hart pose for a photo at the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 28, 2007. All three played football in the late 1940's against each other at different high schools. Ben played for Tucson while Bob and Larry played for Amphitheater. They were each inducted into the hall of fame at different times.

Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 9 Larry Hart

Larry Hart (second from right, in pads) with his brother Bob (in shorts) talking to their football coaches at Eastern Arizona College in 1950. Photo courtesy Larry Hart.

Courtesy Larry Hart

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega head coach, Nemer Hassey, lets out a deep breath as he watches the clock run out at the end of the first half during a game against Apache Junction at Cienega High School on Nov. 14, 2008. Cienega won 31-7.

Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega High School quarterback Michael Archie, center, talks with head coach Nemer Hassey, right, in the game against Sabino High School in the fourth quarter with Jalen Rogers, left, on Aug. 26, 2011 in Tucson, Ariz. Cienega won 17-16.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega head coach Nemer Hassey talks to the offense during a time-out, Aug. 30, 2002, at Cienega High School.

Renee Sauer / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Sahuaro High School head coach Nemer Hassey watches as the last seconds tick during the 4A state Championship against Chaparral High School on Dec. 10, 1999. Sahuaro lost 27-10.

Aaron Latham / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega head coach Nemer Hassey is drenched by a player after their 28-65 win over Sahuaro on Nov. 3, 2006.

Francisco Medina / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega's head coach Nemer Hassey, right, fist pumps as the clock expires as Cienega defeated Marcos de Niza 22-21 in the quarterfinals of Division II state tournament at Cienega High School, Nov. 10, 2011.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega head football coach Nemer Hassey, on the left, talking to his team as they get ready for the playoffs on Nov. 13, 2003.

Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega High school football coach Nemer Hassey, in the middle of the picture holding a play book, is watching a play being run in a Nov. 10, 2004 practice session in Vail, Ariz.

Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega football coach Nemer Hassey, with the sunglasses on, is talking to his QB Jordan Mills during practice on Oct. 12, 2010.

Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega High School football head coach Nemer Hassey wants his team to be the best kept secret, as he gives them a pep talk before warming up, Aug. 17, 2004 in Marana, Ariz.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 10 Nemer Hassey

Cienega High School head coach Nemer Hassey, left, talks to his team after the victory over Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain High School on Nov. 20, 2009 in Tucson, Ariz.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 11 John Mallamo

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 11 John Mallamo

Tucson High School football coach John Mallamo, ca 1960s. Arizona Daily Star file

Arizona Daily Star file

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Palo Verde High School head coach Todd Mayfield talks with the offense during after school practice, Nov. 29, 2005.

Lindsay A. Miller / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Head coach of Palo Verde Todd Mayfield screams after being doused with water after beating Mingus High School at Arizona Stadium in the 4A-II State Title Game on Dec. 2, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz. Palo Verde High School beat Mingus High School 15-7.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Palo Verde High School head coach Todd Mayfield addresses the fans while holding the Championship trophy at Arizona Stadium in the 4A-II State Title Game on Dec. 2, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz. Palo Verde High School beat Mingus High School 15-7.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Former head coach Ollie Mayfield and head coach for Palo Verde Todd Mayfield share a laugh after the win at Arizona Stadium in the 4A-II State Title Game on Dec. 2, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz. Palo Verde High School beat Mingus High School 15-7.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Head coach of Palo Verde Todd Mayfield smiles after beating Mingus High School at Arizona Stadium in the 4A-II State Title Game on Dec. 2, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz. Palo Verde High School beat Mingus High School 15-7.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Palo Verde head coach Todd Mayfield talks to his team in the huddle during their game against Sahuarita on Oct. 10, 2008 in Sahuarita, Ariz. Palo Verde won 39-12.

James Gregg / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Palo Verde High School football coach Todd Mayfield and Amphitheater coach Vern Friedli share a moment before the start of the game on Sept. 23, 2009, in Tucson, Ariz. The Titans beat the Panthers 31-0.

A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Palo Verde head coach Todd Mayfield reacts with his players on the sidelines as the final seconds tick off the clock in the Titans 4A semi final victory over Arcadia at Marcos de Niza high school in Tempe on Nov. 25, 2005. (Ralph Freso / East Valley Tribune)

Ralph Freso

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

The Tucson High School football team, 3-0, has rallied around head coach Todd Mayfield, right. Tucson Citizen file photo by Xavier Gallegos, 1986.

Xavier Gallegos / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 12 Todd Mayfield

Todd Mayfield and his players practice on the band field on East Sixth Street. Tucson Citizen file photo by Warren Faidley, Sept. 29, 1986.

Warren Faidley / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 13 Matt Johnson

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 13 Matt Johnson

Ironwood Ridge head coach Matt Johnson talks with his players during a timeout against Centennial in the second quarter of the Division II state championship football game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 24, 2012.

Ralph Freso / for the Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 13 Matt Johnson

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 13 Matt Johnson

Ironwood Ridge head coach Matt Johnson holds the Division II State Championship trophy as he celebrates with his players following their 27-3 victory over Centennial at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 24, 2012.

Ralph Freso / for the Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 13 Matt Johnson

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 13 Matt Johnson

Ironwood Ridge head coach Matt Johnson points to his players and the fans as he holds up the Division II State Championship trophy following their 27-3 victory over Centennial at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 24, 2012.

Ralph Freso / for the Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 13 Matt Johnson

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 13 Matt Johnson

Ironwood Ridge's head coach Matt Johnsonand his players are truly number 1 following the Nighthawks 27-3 victory over Centennial in the Division II State Championship game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 24, 2012.

Ralph Freso / for the Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Coach Jay Campos, in the black top and shades, leaning over watching closely as his team runs plays during practice on Sept. 26, 2013.

Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Head coach Jay Campos, of Sabino, talks to his players during a timeout against Catalina Foothills at Sabino High School on Sept. 26, 2008.

Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

A shocked Jay Campos, head coach for Sabino can't bear to look in the third quarter during their 4A-1 State Championship game against CDO at UA Stadium on Dec. 5, 2009.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Sabino High School head football coach Jay Campos raises his fist in the locker room as he persuades his Sabercats to try and finish their quest for a state championship against Glendale Cactus on Dec. 2, 2005.

A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Sabino Head coach Jay Campos (C.Q. JAY CAMPOS) comforts dejected player Jakob Stallings with the State Runner Up trophy in the foreground at Arizona Stadium in the 4A-II State Title Game on Dec. 2, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Sabino High School head coach Jay Campos talks to a referee during the game against Catalina Foothills High School in the first quarter at Catalina Foothills on Sept. 2, 2011 in Tucson, Ariz. Sabino won 45-0.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Sabino head coach Jay Campos gets a cooler of ice water dumped on him by Max Baumann as the Saber Cats beat Scottsdale Chaparral in the Class 4A-I state semifinals at Tucson High School in Tucson, Ariz., Dec. 1, 2006.

Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Sabino High School head coach Jay Campos talks to the team during practice on Dec. 1, 2009 in Tucson, Ariz.

Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Sabino High School football coach Jay Campos calls a play in his offensive unit's huddle during practice at Pima Community College's east campus facility, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 28, 2006.

Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 14 Jay Campos

Sabino High School football coach Jay Campos calls a halt to practice at Pima Community College's east campus facility and has his players remove their helmets and stand at attention as they hear the Star Spangled Banner being played just before sundown at nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 28, 2006.

Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 15 Jason Greer

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 15 Jason Greer

Jason "Red" Greer was Tucson High's football coach from 1948-1955 and led the Badgers to consecutive state titles in 1951 and 1952. -- Credit: Courtesy of the Badger Foundation

Courtesy of the Badger Foundation

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 16 Bob Smith

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 16 Bob Smith

Bob Smith, head football coach for Canyon Del Oro High School. Tucson Citizen archive, 1980.

Submitted photo

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 17 Ed Doherty

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 17 Ed Doherty

01-03-00. 1C; Ed Doherty's record at Salpointe Catholic wqas a stellar one: 46 wins, three ties and only 19 losses. 1981 photo at Salpointe

Handout

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 17 Ed Doherty

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 17 Ed Doherty

No Title 1987 file photo of Ed Doherty, a football coach then for Salpointe High School. Copyright 1996 The Arizona Daily Star Identity:Former Coach; PLS:Football; People: Ed Doherty Schools: Salpointe Catholic High School

handout

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 17 Ed Doherty

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 17 Ed Doherty

No Title Star News-----Whizzer White (l) and Ed Doherty. Undated Star file photo by Art Clark. DOHERTY WAS ASU COACH AT THIS TIME Copyright 1996 The Arizona Daily Star UA:Football; Identity:Former Football Coach; PLS:Obit; Mainkey:Sports/Football; Freekey:age 81; Book:A; People: Whizzer White (l), Ed Doherty Doherty passed away on Sunday 1/2/2000 HP-028

Art Clark

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 17 Ed Doherty

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 17 Ed Doherty

Ed Doherty supervising football practice at Salpointe High School. Arizona Daily Star file photo taken 8/25/77

JIM DAVIS

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Canyon Del Oro's head coach Pat Nugent congratulates his team for a great game and season despite their 23-21 loss to Scottsdale Saguaro at the Class 4A-1 state championship game at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Dec. 8, 2007.

Jill Torrance / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Canyon Del Oro's head coach Pat Nugent walks off the field with his team after their 23-21 loss to Scottsdale Saguaro at the Class 4A-1 state championship game at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Dec. 8, 2007.

Jill Torrance / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Canyon del Oro football head coach Pat Nugent talks with his team during practice in preparation for their state championship game against Scottsdale Saguaro on Dec. 3, 2007.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Canyon Del Oro quarterback Ryan Lush shares a quick word with head coach Pat Nugent before running a play against Rincon during the first half of their night playoff meeting on Nov. 10, 2005.

Kim Cota-Robles / For the Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 18 Pat Nugent

Canyon Del Oro High School varsity head football coach Pat Nugent runs his quarterbacks through drills on Aug. 9, 2007 with quarterbacks Eric Gutierrez, left, and Daniel Nicholas.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 19 Lou Farber

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 19 Lou Farber

Pueblo football coach Lou Farber started coaching in Tucson in 1956 after 14 years as a high school coach in Rhode Island and a notable college career at Brown University.

Tucson Citizen / 1958

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 19 Lou Farber

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 19 Lou Farber

The late Lou Farber coached the Pueblo football team for 17 years, winning two state titles and just missing a third.

Tucson Citizen / 1967

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 20 Don Hawkins

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 20 Don Hawkins

Marana coach Don Hawkins waits in the Tigers’ locker room after a game in 1968. Marana was a perfect 11-0 that season, culminating in its second straight state title. Courtesy Mark Hawkins.

Photo courtesy of Mark Hawkins

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 20 Don Hawkins

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 20 Don Hawkins

Coach Don Hawkins served in the air force as a flight engineer and mechanic before taking over the reins at Marana. The Tigers went 47-17-1 over his six seasons in charge of the football program. Courtesy Mark Hawkins.

Photo courtesy of Mark Hawkins

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 20 Don Hawkins

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 20 Don Hawkins

Coach Don Hawkins poses outside the old Marana High School with the gymnasium in the background. The Tigers won 21 of 22 games between 1967 and 1968, with only a 13-13 tie against Hayden spoiling the perfect mark. Courtesy Mark Hawkins.

Photo courtesy of Mark Hawkins

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 21 Pat Welchert

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 21 Pat Welchert

Salpointe Catholic head coach Pat Welchert talks to his team at a recent scrimmage at Mountain View High School on Aug. 25, 2000.

Aaron J. Latham / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 22 Jerry Loper

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 22 Jerry Loper

Amphitheater coach Jerry Loper and players Art Gutierrez (44) and Mark Eaton (40) hold high the trophy the Panthers received after their 23-22 come-from behind victory over Maryvale in the Class AAA state championship game at Arizona Stadium. December 5, 1975.

Jack Schaeffer / Arizona Daily Star archive

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 22 Jerry Loper

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 22 Jerry Loper

Jerry Loper, head football coach at Amphitheater High School. March 23, 1971. Tucson Citizen archive.

Submitted photo

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 23 Paul Petty

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 23 Paul Petty

Arizona All Stars football team coach Paul Petty gathers the team before the start of their first practice on July 6, 2000.

Sarah Prall / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 24 Ed Brown

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 24 Ed Brown

Cholla High School football coach Ed Brown, left, talks to a player during a game against Salpointe Catholic High School on Oct. 14, 1977.

P.K. Weis / Tucson Citizen

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Ironwood Ridge High School football coach Gary Minor surveys the new field at the new high school being built at 2475 W. Naranja Dr., on May 26, 2001.

Jeffry Scott / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Ironwood Ridge High School varsity football players watch film with coach Gary Minor on Aug. 14, 2006 before the first day of practice with pads.

Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Ironwood Ridge players and head coach Gary Minor, left, celebrate an onside kick touchdown by teammate #44 Raymond Cottman in the fourth quarter. Ironwood defeated Sunnyside 24-17 at Ironwood, Nov. 21, 2008.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Ironwood Ridge High School Football Coach Gary Minor instructs his offense during practice on Aug. 7, 2004 at IRHS.

Dan Kempner

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Ironwood Ridge High School head football coach Gary Minor blocks in a drill during practice on Aug. 8, 2002.

Aaron Latham / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Ironwood Ridge High School coach Gary Minor watches his players during practice on Aug. 13, 2005 in Oro Valley, Ariz.

A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Tucson's top football coaches: No. 25 Gary Minor

Ironwood Ridge's head coach Gary Minor laughs at a foiled attempt in getting him wet with a Gatorade cooler full of ice water, as it was too heavy for the players, but managed to splash him a little. Ironwood defeated Mountain View 30-0 to win the 5A Southern Region II championship on Nov. 2, 2007 and earn an automatic berth to the state playoffs.

David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Related to this collection

Ranking the top high school football coaches

Ranking the top high school football coaches

Today begins the countdown to the high school football season.

Loper delivered first state title to Amphi

Loper delivered first state title to Amphi

Pre-Friedli, Panthers won it all in 1975.

Salpointe's Welchert notched 89 wins in 15 years

Salpointe's Welchert notched 89 wins in 15 years

Welchert helped Salpointe reach the state finals in 1991.

Top prep coach No. 20: Don Hawkins of Marana

Top prep coach No. 20: Don Hawkins of Marana

Don Hawkins led Marana to back-to-back state titles in 1967 and 1968.

Johnson led I-Ridge to first state crown

Johnson led I-Ridge to first state crown

Matt Johnson helped turn Ironwood Ridge into one of the state’s premier programs.

Arizona Daily Star
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