There are a few things to think about. Do you pick the best x’s and o’s coach or the coach you would most like your kids to play for? Do you pick a coach with the best track record for winning, or an underachiever you think could win with the same players? Do you want a coach with a history of working the phones with college recruiters, or working your son’s tail off to be the best he can be. Do you want a disciplinarian or a players’ coach. So much to think about and I know you want a top ten, but I’m not that foolish, I have to work with these coaches all year. But I will name my top 13 in no particular order, so here you go……

In no particular order ….
Roddy Layton, Diamond Ranch — Have always loved his passion, work ethic and player relationships.
Steve Hagerty, Bishop Amat – Is the best Amat coach since my all-time favorite Mark Paredes, who led Amat to an 84-14 record in eight years, including a 15-0 campaign in 1992. Plus, I get the feeling Hagerty bleeds Amat blue.
Greg Gano, Damien — Not afraid of challenges, brilliant with star players, a proven winner, and always assembles a great staff. What more could you ask?
Mark Pasquarella, Glendora — Look at his history, wherever he’s coached, he’s turned them into winners, especially at places that are tough to win at. He has a great offensive mind, certainly among the best game planners.
Lou Farrar, Charter Oak – The Godfather of the SGV. The most consistent over the long haul and smart enough to know that coaching staffs, not individual coaches, win championships.
Bill Zernickow, San Dimas — The Wizard of the Wing T joined the coaching elite with last year’s championship. Prior to that title, when I asked other coaches who was the most underrated coach in the Valley, Zernickow’s name came up most often.
Craig Snyder, Rowland – He’s one of my most underrated. He’s done more with less and in a tough situation going against West Covina and South Hills all these years. Truly an intense coach on the sidelines who speaks his mind and is loyal to his players.
Mike Maggiore, West Covina Consistently in the hunt every season and with a CIF title on the resume. Don’t know a single player that didn’t enjoy playing for him. Plus, we went to high school together, so I know what a great person he is.
Jim Singiser, Arroyo — One of my Valley favorites, doesn’t always have the weapons other prominent coaches enjoy, but when he does, such as the next two years with Steven Rivera at QB, watch what happens.
Steve Bogan, South Hills – Arguably one of the best in Valley history, no better game planner than Bogan. His four titles in the last ten years earned him Valley coach of the decade.
Matt Koffler, Rosemead — His teams always over-achieve and he has great relationships with players. His M.O. is defense first, and that has worked for him over the years.
Eric Podley, Bonita — One of the great offensive minds over the years, and when he has talent, they win. Has had bad luck in recent years, especially in the Smudge Pot, but he will be back.
Joe Scherf, Azusa-– All he’s done in his first two years as a head coach is go 21-4 with back-to–back Montview league titles with a quarterfinal and semifinal appearance in the playoffs. Maybe one of the greatest coaching debuts in Valley history.