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In an absolute touchdown of a move, Dublin High has hired a new football coach, bringing in former NFL running back Napoleon Kaufman to guide the program.
Not only is Kaufman a former professional football player, but he is a senior pastor at a local church and is known as a youth mentor.
I have always felt that a high school coach needs to be not only a coach but a mentor, as they have athletes going from kids to young adults.
Wins and losses are always a measuring stick but should never be the lone meter for success. If you can say a student-athlete is a better person for having played for a coach, then that is all a parent should ask for.
The East Bay Athletic League has had a history of that over the years, and it appears that the hiring of Kaufman fits it to a tee.
Following is a press release that came from Dublin High last Friday:
The Dublin High School Athletic Department today announced it has hired Napoleon Kaufman as its new Varsity Football Head Coach.
Kaufman was a two-time All-American running back for the University of Washington who played six seasons for the Oakland Raiders and won a CIF State Title as the Head Coach at Bishop O’Dowd High School.
He is currently the Senior Pastor of The Well Christian Community in Livermore and is a nationally acclaimed speaker and youth mentor.
“One of the most rewarding experiences in my life has been working with young athletes, inspiring them to reach their potential and showing them the beauty of teamwork, commitment, and perseverance,” Kaufman said. “I enjoy helping young men and women become better athletes and better human beings. Dublin High has a great tradition of athletics success and I hope to add to that legacy as the new head coach of Dublin High football.”
Kaufman first earned notoriety during his time at Lompoc High School as one of the greatest high school running backs in California prep history.
He attended the University of Washington where he became one of three running backs in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards and would set an all-time rushing record at Washington that stood for 23 years.
He was named to the All-Pac-10 teams for his final three seasons, and in 1994 was an All-American who finished 9th in Heisman Trophy voting.
Kaufman was selected in the 1st round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, where he remained for the entirety of his 6-year NFL career.
During his 6-year career, Kaufman averaged 4.9 yards per carry and played in 91 games. He finished with 18 touchdowns, 127 receptions, and 8,048 all-purpose yards (4,792 rushing).
Following the 2000 season, Kaufman formed the Well Christian Community Church where he is now the Senior Pastor for a congregation that now has over 1,000 regular worshipers.
His coaching career began in the Pleasanton Junior Football League, where he coached his three sons for nearly a decade.
He would eventually follow them to Bishop O’Dowd, becoming the Dragons’ Head Varsity Football Coach in 2014. Over the course of six seasons, Kaufman compiled a record of 51-25 overall, three league championships, and a CIF State title in 2016.
After his youngest son graduated, Kaufman stepped down from coaching following the 2019 season.
Kaufman will take over for former Dublin High Varsity Football Head Coach Brandon Black, who, after leading the Gaels for 5 years, is leaving the school to take on new challenges.
“While we are sad to see Coach Black leave and want to thank him for his contributions to our school, we are excited for what lies ahead,” said Dublin High Athletic Director Tim Sbranti. “Napoleon Kaufman brings a storied high school, college, and professional career – and the experience that comes with it- to Dublin, as a coach, he led Bishop O’Dowd to a Division 5-AA state championship in 2016. As a person, he brings a commitment to community and his faith that I believe will have a positive influence on and off the field.”
Kaufman’s first steps as head coach will have him meeting with the players, parents, and coaches this week and beginning spring practices in May.
Editor’s note: Dennis Miller is a contributing sports writer for the Pleasanton Weekly. This column originally appeared in Tri-Valley Preps Playbook, a weekly sports e-newsletter published by Embarcadero Media Foundation.
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