Del Norte High’s Cole steps down as football coach

Leigh Cole has stepped down as Del Norte High’s varsity football coach after four seasons.

Cole, who led the program to the playoffs in all four years, said he just feels like it’s time to move on to something else.

“I have done what I can do,” said Cole, who added that he is very appreciative of the support he got from Del Norte Athletic Director Mike Giaime and Principal Greg Mizel while he was there. “I put in a lot of work and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish.

“But after talking to my wife, and I have been going to church more and have a commitment to God, so that is part of it too, it’s just time for me to move on to another season in life and let God direct me where to go.”

Cole has built quite a foundation since taking over the program at Del Norte in 2011 — the school’s second season at the varsity level.

He went 20-25 over his four years at the helm and led the team to a Valley League championship in 2013. The school hosted and won its first playoff game in 2012.

“Probably winning the Valley League championship was the biggest accomplishment, but going to the playoffs four straight years and being able to beat each of the PUSD schools, except for Poway because we didn’t play them, is up there,” Cole said.

Cole said he has no plans in place to coach anywhere else right now, but will likely coach again in the future.

“I love coaching football and I really enjoy the kids and helping develop the guys and helping shape the young men and leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “That is what is important to me. I have coached at every level and I enjoy it.”

Giaime said he has already been contacted by several candidates regarding the open position. He hopes to have the vacancy filled by February.

“Within an hour of Leigh stepping down, we already had five applicants,” he said. “... Hopefully we will have somebody in place by February. That is my goal. But I am going to go through the full process and not rush it. I am going to do it the way it needs to be done.”

Giaime added that the program is in a great place and that’s because of the work Cole has put in the last four years.

“We just elevated every year once he took over,” Giaime said. “He is going to spend time with family and the church and I can’t fault the guy for doing that.”