By Tim Peterson
(Whittier) – Whittier has named former Garfield coach Lorenzo Hernandez as its new head football coach the school confirmed Wednesday.
Hernandez was the head coach at Garfield for 24 years before stepping down after the 2024 season. Hernandez took 2025 off from coaching and was considered “retired” before jumping back into the game at Whittier.
During his 24-year run Hernandez built Garfield into a powerhouse in the City Section. The Bulldogs won 12 Eastern League championships, one 3-A City Section title, a 4-A State/ Regional championship and a 2019 4-A State Title game appearance.
Whittier went 5-5 overall last year, but 0-4 in the Del Rio League.
Marc Shettleroe, who was the offensive line coach under Hernandez for over seven years will take over as offensive coordinator. Shettleroe also had a stint as the head football coach at Temple City.
Hernandez takes over for Jimmy Welker who resigned after last season after two years at the helm.
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embarrassing and sad. Whittier is bum program.
Hernandez did NOT get employment of any kind from Whittier. A key to the school getting such a fine coach is that former Garfield principal Andres Favela is now the principal at Whittier. Being in his late fifties, I imagine Hernandez took early retirement at the time he stepped away from Garfield. That means he doesn’t have to worry about money, the way Austin Montoya at St Paul does. Lorenzo probably just realized he missed coaching too much to stay out of it, so he’s with his old principal and ready to fire it up one more time.
Hernandez is going to get participation due to his exploits at Garfield, and since Whittier’s down so low they have to reach up to tie their shoes, whatever success this man brings will be considered amazing. I’m sure this is a walk-on deal for Lorenzo, and I’ve got to hand it to the cheapskates at Whittier for landing such a famous fish. Whoever Pioneer gets will pale by comparison.
I imagine coach wanted to fatten up his retirement package by transfering his teaching years over to the high paying WUHSD. It is the only thing that makes sense to leave Garfield only to coach at D14 Whittier. Anyway good get for Whittier.
I guess not a bad gig at this point in time, no longer stuck in an unwinnable league and can probably compete in D13 or D14.