Poway makes football coaching change; interim boss is former player, assistant

After two seasons, Brandon Harris is out as head football coach at Poway High School.

Former Titans player and assistant coach Ryan Hernandez will coach the team on an interim basis.

Harris had an 11-15 record as head coach. Poway's 2024 team finished with a six-game winning streak that resulted in a CIF San Diego Section Division 2 championship.

The Titans beat Point Loma, University City and Mater Dei Catholic in the playoffs before losing to Arcadia Rio Hondo Prep in the Southern California Regionals.

In a statement to the Poway parents, principal Jonathan Penuliar said Hernandez "will work to support our student-athletes and ensure the program continues to operate smoothly as preparations for the upcoming season move forward.

“We understand that periods of transition can bring questions, and we deeply appreciate your continued patience, understanding, and commitment to Poway High School football. We are excited for the 2026 season and look forward to seeing our student-athletes back in action.”

Summer practices began Monday, and Hernandez said he plans more team workouts and bonding than 7-on-7 competitions.

“It’s important to do some 7-on-7 work, but we’re getting a late start, so it’s better for us to work on getting ourselves coordinated,” said Hernandez, who didn’t coach last season.

Hernandez played at Poway, where he was a receiver and defensive back. He was captain of the 2017 team.

“Being named head coach is an honor, honestly, a massive deal,” said Hernandez. “I value hard work and discipline. And while winning and losing is important, for sure, it’s also important to build character.”

Hernandez, who hopes to be on the Poway campus as he works on his teaching credential and later his master’s degree, comes from the Kyle Williams coaching tree.

Williams coached for more than two decades at Poway, Fallbrook, Westview and again at Poway.

“Offensively and defensively, we’ll run what I learned from Kyle,” Hernandez said.

“Most of last year’s coaching staff is staying, so I think the transition will be smooth. I understand being a first-year head coach will be a challenge. Ultimately, we all want what’s best for the players.”

New Poway AD

Bryan Mark, the girls soccer coach and a PE teacher at Poway, has been named the school’s athletic director.

He takes over for Damian Gonzalez, who stepped down at the end of the school year after a dozen years as AD.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 1:55 PM.