West Orange HS Hires Beloved Newark Football Coach, Role Model

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange High School has turned to a well-respected, veteran coach from Newark to guide its varsity football team into a new era.

On Monday, West Orange district officials announced that Darnell Grant – the former head coach at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark – has been appointed to run the WOHS football team.

According to district officials, Grant, 46, joins West Orange after nine years as head coach at Shabazz High School where he was named New Jersey Coach of the Year in 2014, inducted into the Essex County Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015, named NAACP’s 2017 Sportsman of the Year, and was named one of New Jersey’s 50 winningest active head coaches in 2018.

In his time at Shabazz, Grant helped his players to outscore their opponents 500-69, delivered their first undefeated season in more than five decades, and delivered two state championship crowns and three state championship appearances in five years.

• See related article: Newark HS Football Makes History: Weequahic vs. Shabazz

Grant is more than just a sports guru. School officials said he brings an immense wealth of knowledge in the field of academic intervention to West Orange. For example, he’s led behavior modification programs and has experience in crisis management and restorative circles. Off the field, he will partner with the West Orange PAL program to mentor and continue developing players into the next generation of scholar athletes.

Grant thanked administrators and the West Orange community for giving him a chance at his new position.

“Transformation doesn't happen overnight, slow and steady wins the race, but I'm ready to blast off with these kids and coaches,” Grant said. “I'm excited to be on this journey and look forward to delivering winning seasons, championships, and help build upon the West Orange pride that fills this community to create a whole new meaning to ‘Friday Night Under the Lights.’”

West Orange Director of Athletics Ron Bligh said he was looking forward to seeing how Grant helps to “put West Orange football on the map.”

“Our High School sports programs have experienced a complete overhaul over the past five years and the results are showing in our county and sectional accomplishments,” Bligh said. “Darnell brings new dynamic leadership to our football program.”

“I couldn't be happier to welcome Coach Grant to our Mountaineer family at this pivotal time in our evolution,” WOHS Principal Hayden Moore said. “I couldn't think of a better leader to join our team with all the right qualities to keep us moving in the right direction and take us to the next level.”

“We’re looking forward to partnering with Coach Grant,” said Joe DePasquale, president of West Orange PAL. “Adding a strong mentor like Coach Grant who can deliver both on and off the field will benefit our young players and be a positive influence for the entire community.”

“I believe Coach Grant will be an invaluable mentor and role model for our boys; teaching them not only how to be strong athletes, but excellent students, faithful friends, contributing citizens, and one day loving husbands and nurturing fathers,” Acting Superintendent Eveny de Mendez said.

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