Three high school football teams in Fresno region make hire. See who they are
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Clovis High hires alumnus Brandon Nagle as head coach, replacing Aaron Wilkins.
- San Joaquin Memorial names Damon Jenkins after his 12‑3, 2024 title season at Kerman.
- Kerman hires Josh Lopez, elevating a Clovis East assistant to head coach.
Clovis High has hired former Clovis East football coach Brandon Nagle as its next head coach, replacing Aaron Wilkins, who stepped down after four seasons.
Nagle was introduced to the team Friday inside the gym, where he told players he plans to coach them hard.
Nagle is no stranger to Clovis. He played for Tim Simons and helped lead the Cougars to a Valley championship in 1999, highlighted by a 41–0 win over Clovis West.
He graduated in 2001 and knows the tradition and expectations of the program, adding that he hopes to continue Clovis’ legacy of excellence.
Clovis advanced to the Central Section Division I-AA championship game last season but lost to Central East, 70-35.
The Cougars have been in a lengthy championship drought, with their last section title — then known as a Valley championship — coming in 2002.
Nagle spent the past three seasons (2022–24) at Clovis East, where he compiled a 27-8 record and won one Tri-River Athletic Conference championship, according to section historian Bob Barnett.
Jenkins named SJM coach
Former Kerman High coach Damon Jenkins has been named the head coach at San Joaquin Memorial.
Jenkins enjoyed a successful run at Kerman, posting a 37-17 overall record with two appearances in the Division III championship game.
In 2024, he led the Lions to a 12-3 record, highlighted by the school’s first Division III Section Championship and a state playoff appearance.
Jenkins replaces Rich Tuman.
Kerman makes hire
Josh Lopez has been named the new head football coach at Kerman High.
Lopez has coached at several programs, including Buchanan, Sunnyside, Immanuel and Reedley.
Most recently, he served as the defensive coordinator and special teams coach at Clovis East. He also spent three years coaching at the college level at College of the Sequoias and Southern Oregon.
“I am honored to be named the head football coach at Kerman High School,” Lopez said. “I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaching staff and families to continue a program that represents Kerman with pride, integrity and relentless effort.” --
