Former Sierra College defensive coordinator and linebackers coach John Hilton was named the assistant head coach. Hilton served as Del Oro’s secondary and offensive line coach last season and has worked in the Placer Union High School District for 27 years.
“We feel that the football program is so important to the school and this community,” Del Oro athletic director Jill Butler said. “We wanted to make sure that we took our time and we found the best coaches for the program who will be exceptional role models.”
Butler said that it was evident throughout the process that Parry and Hilton were the two men for the job as they take over one of the most historical programs in the region.
“We feel that Josh Parry has shown his dedication and his love for the sport and his knowledge for the sport in his 10 years as a coach here,” Butler said. “Adding Coach Hilton into our program this year has been huge. His respect is incredible and he will be a great role model for our young men.”
It’s been a long road to the head coaching job for Parry, who noted that the years of learning under head coaches Casey Taylor, Jeff Walters, and Mike Maben have helped him be better prepared for the role.
“That's kind of how it works and it’s part of the learning process. It started with Casey, Jeff, and Mike. I got to watch those guys learn and lead from different positions and different sides of the ball. The more you know, the better teacher you become,” Parry said. “I'm excited to be in that role.”
Parry was a standout running back and linebacker at Sonora High School where he helped lead the Wildcats to a Division II Sac-Joaquin Section championship in 1995. He went on to play linebacker at San Jose State where he had 122 tackles and two interceptions in his senior year.
His professional career spanned from 2001-2008 with stints under Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles and Mike Holmgren with the Seattle Seahawks. During his time in Philadelphia, he was the starting fullback and had a reception in Super Bowl XXXIX. Parry also played for the Frankfurt Galaxy in NFL Europe and was a member of the practice squad with the Eagles and Oakland Raiders.
Even with NFL experience, Parry says the Friday night lights are what he loves the most.
“I love everything about high school football. The family, the community, the game within the game, the friendships, everyone believing in each other,” Parry said. “I am just so excited for this opportunity. I’m trying to change the world for these kids and that's exciting.”
Parry said that one of his favorite things about Loomis is how much it reminds him of his hometown.
“It's so similar to where I was born,” Parry said. “Every Friday you get to see everybody from the grandparents down to the little babies in the town. Everyone wants to support and it's just a cool experience for everyone involved. Everybody's invested.”
Parry will also have the experience of coaching his son Landon, who was a freshman tight end for the Golden Eagles last season.
Asked what he is looking forward to the most about taking over the program, Parry said, “I'm excited for the challenge. I lo... Click here to read full article
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