Orlando Scandrick, a former NFL cornerback, has been appointed as the new head coach of Playa del Rey St. Bernard High School's football team. This marks a significant turning point for the program, which has faced challenges over recent years. The team has not played since an abbreviated four-game spring season in 2021, and now, under Scandrick's leadership, there is renewed hope for revival.
The school has seen a tumultuous period, including the resignation of its previous coach, Manuel Douglas, which led to a considerable loss of varsity players. Following this, a federal investigation added further complications. Despite these setbacks, Scandrick, who is 35 years old, is eager to rebuild the program. He has a strong background, having played at Los Alamitos and Boise State, and has been actively involved in local passing tournaments in recent years.
Scandrick expressed his excitement during his initial meetings with parents and players. He emphasized the importance of reaching out to potential players on campus, noting that over 20 students showed interest in playing last fall. With a clear vision and determination, he stated, “It’s a very unique challenge and very intriguing opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” This new journey not only represents an opportunity for growth but also a chance to create a strong foundation for the future of the football program at St. Bernard High.
Playa del Rey St. Bernard High has hired former NFL cornerback Orlando Scandrick as its new football coach to take over a program that hasn’t played any games since an abbreviated four-game spring schedule in 2021.
The program lost most of its varsity players after former coach Manuel Douglas resigned. Then came word of a federal investigation. The school hired Steve Broussard to take over the program in the summer of 2021 but didn’t have enough players to have a team in the fall.
Now Scandrick, 35, has been hired to restart the program in his first head coaching job. He attended Los Alamitos and Boise State and has helped support local passing tournaments in recent years.
He was meeting parents and players for the first time on Thursday night.
“I’m really excited,” Scandrick said.
His first task will be going around campus to seek out players. There were more than 20 interested in playing last fall.
“It’s a very unique challenge and very intriguing opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” he said. “We can start to rebuild a program from the ground up.”
