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JSerra Hires Hardy Nickerson as Head Football Coach, Marking a Trinity League First

The five-time Pro Bowler arrives from a CIF state title at Bishop O’Dowd to jump-start a 3-7 program.

FILE: Buccaneers linebackers coach Hardy Nickerson during the regular season game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 21, 2014, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Bishop O’Dowd coach Hardy Nickerson hoists the championship trophy while Austin Mahoney (27) looks on after the Dragons defeated Christian-El Cajon 37-0 in the CIF Division 5-AA state championship game on Friday night, Dec., 12, 2025, at Fullerton Union High School District Stadium. (Nathan Canilao/Bay Area News Group)

Overview

  • JSerra announced Hardy Nickerson as its new head football coach, installing the former NFL linebacker to lead the Lions into 2026.
  • Nickerson becomes the first Black head football coach in the Trinity League since its formation in 2008.
  • He just guided Bishop O’Dowd to the CIF State Division 5-AA championship with a 37-0 win over El Cajon Christian.
  • Nickerson replaces Victor Santa Cruz, who was dismissed Nov. 1 after a 14-18 tenure, with JSerra finishing 3-7 overall and 0-5 in league play this season.
  • The move reflects a regional shift toward ex-NFL hires, following Santa Margarita’s successful appointment of Carson Palmer, who led the Eagles to CIF Southern Section Division 1 and CIF Open Division state titles.