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.”
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New Bedford athletic director Tom Tarpey said that DeBrito set the bar high for his players on and off the field.
“Mark has had a positive influence on all of his players and has been a mentor since the day he took over,” Tarpey said. “He has many players who have played in college and that says a lot about the mission of our program. His players know that they have to get it done in the classroom and community in order to play on the field.
“He will be missed and we appreciate everything he has done for our football program and he has left it in a good place.”
New Bedford High principal Joyce Cardoza added, “Coach DeBrito’s impact on New Bedford High School has gone far beyond the football field. His passion for the city and dedication to our students have shaped countless young lives. He held his players to high standards, not just in their athletic performance but also in their character and commitment to education. We are grateful for the lasting legacy he leaves behind as he transitions away from the role of head football coach.”
Mark DeBrito’s years at New Bedford
2014: 5-6
2015: 7-4
2016: 1-10
2017: 3-8
2018: 6-5
2019: 8-3
2020: 0-4
2021: 1-9
2022: 4-7
2023: 4-7
2024: 2-9
Overall: 41-72
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Mark DeBrito steps down as New Bedford High football head coach
