Central Regional Taps Willie Jacobs As New Football Coach For Golden Eagles

Central Regional has a new head football coach for the Golden Eagles.

Willie Jacobs, a 1990 Central graduate, replaces Vincent Casale, who held the position for five years while also serving as the district’s athletic director.  Casale will remain as the school’s athletic director, Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides said.

The 41-year old Jacobs is the only African-American head coach in the Shore Conference. He spent the last two seasons on Casale's staff as defensive coordinator, Parlapanides said.

Before coming to Central, Jacobs worked at Long Branch High School under Head Coach Dan George.  Jacobs was the defensive coordinator during Long Branch’s State Championship runs and also served as an assistant coach in Franklin Township. 

Willie Jacobs is a College of New Jersey graduate and former player who currently teaches health and physical education at Central Regional High School.

The Central Regional Board of Education approved Jacobs' appointment at the Feb. 28 board meeting.

Jacobs said at the board meeting that being named head coach at his alma mater is a “dream come true” and he is looking forward to building the football program.

“I am excited for Central football," Parlapanides said. "I believe Mr. Jacobs can take the momentum gained over the past several years and bring the program to a new level. I wish him, his staff and all the players a great 2013 football campaign.”