By Tim Peterson
(South El Monte) – Former San Marino/Temple City head coach Mike Mooney is back in coaching after a six year hiatus, as an assistant coach at South El Monte, Eagles head coach Frank Gallardo confirmed Thursday.
“The administration has been very supportive and wanted him here. We’re really excited to have him,” Gallardo said.
Mooney stepped down as head coach at San Marino in October 2010. He also resigned as assistant principal at the same time.
Mooney, a graduate of Temple City and USC, began his coaching career at San Marino in 1997. he left the Titans after the 1998 season to take over as head coach of the Rams. He led Temple City to four Rio Hondo League titles from 1999-2006 before returning to San Marino as an administrator.
He served on then head coach D.R. Moreland’s staff in 2008 and 2009 before taking over as head coach for the 2010 season when Moreland stepped down. Mooney then resigned for personal reasons six games into the season.
Mooney will be an offensive line coach at South El Monte but may serve in other capacities as well.
“I’m going to sit down with him and talk. He’s just a great football mind. For now he’s a line coach but we’ll see,” Gallardo said. “He just brings a world of experience to the table. He just wanted to get back into coaching and we’re thrilled to have him.”
The Eagles went 3-7 overall last year, but 3-3 in the Mission Valley League, in Gallardo’s first year.
“We knew it was going to take a few years years but we’re on the right track,” Gallardo said. “This team has already been working hard in the weight room and on the field. With Mike (Mooney) joining our staff we’re just going to be better.”
I wish him the best. I went to High School with him and he’s a very nice person. He made mistakes and paid for him and he deserves a second chance. Good luck Mike!
Even though I am from Arcadia, I heard of a good season south El Monte had under Gallardo and Mooney leadership…I really think they’d be great hires to temple City or Mark Keppel as I see as they need their help!!! #respecttoall