Mark DeBrito steps down as New Bedford High football head coach

NEW BEDFORD — Juggling the demands of his administrator job and head coaching position have become a challenge over recent years for Mark DeBrito.

So the longtime New Bedford High football coach has decided to step down after 11 years at the helm and 22 years overall.

“It’s just time,” said the 46-year-old DeBrito, who is in his eighth year as an assistant principal for New Bedford High’s green house. “The past few years it’s been difficult. Ever since COVID, there are a lot more needs of students. I don’t think it’s fair to the (football) kids. With the demands of the school and things we need, it’s tough to take time away from them.” 

Over his tenure, DeBrito directed the Whalers to four playoff berths and an overall record of 41-72. The team’s best season was 2019 when the Whalers went 8-3 and DeBrito was named the New England Patriots High School Coach of the Week following a win over Barnstable in October.

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” DeBrito said of coaching at his alma mater. “I loved the chance to coach with coaches who coached me and to coach with some of my best friends. I’ll always hold that close.”

More than wins and loses, DeBrito enjoyed helping shape his student athletes for their lives after high school.

“Just being able to give kids hope and give them an opportunity,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of them that are grown men who are police, firefighters, businessmen or fathers now. 

“Just seeing some of these kids grow and use the morals and values you teach in football to use in their lives has been great. I’ve been a part of that.”

New Bedford athletic director Tom Tarpey said that DeBrito set the bar high…


Source link : https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2025/03/26/mark-debrito-steps-down-as-new-bedford-high-football-head-coach/82662244007/

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Publish date : 2025-03-26 18:00:00

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