After 23 years, 180 wins and two state championships, John Castellano said he has resigned from his head coaching position at Nyack High School. The 56-year old has accepted a coaching job at national power Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J., where he will coach the defensive line.
Castellano said he answered an ad in the Bergen Record that called for assistant coaches at Don Bosco. The Ironmen have won the last five state championships and were voted as the No. 1 team in the nation after the 2009 season.
“The opportunity came up for me to coach at a national power that plays a national schedule,” Castellano said. “When that opportunity presented itself, I looked into it and felt it was something I wanted to do.”
Castellano coached the last 31 years in Westchester and Rockland Counties. He worked as an assistant at his alma mater, Mamaroneck, before moving on to Gorton, Roosevelt and Iona College. He took over the Nyack program in 1988 and has been a physical education teacher and head football coach the last 23 years. Castellano’s teams won state titles in 2000 and 2003 and compiled a career record of 180-48-1. His 180 wins are second in Rockland Country history, trailing only North Rockland’s Joe Casarella and Nanuet’s Rich Conklin.
“Certainly, it’s with a lot of mixed emotions,” Castellano said of his decision to leave Nyack. “I love Nyack. It’s been my life for 23 years. I was happy to be a part of the program and the community. It was definitely a difficult decision. I felt like at this time in my career this is something I wanted to do. The opportunity to coach at a level like this is certainly something that excites me.”
Castellano said he met with several of the returning Nyack players on Friday and informed them of his decision. He said he will retain his job at the school, where, in addition to his role as a teacher, he works as the academic and athletic coordinator.
Castellano accepted his new coaching position to work with a powerhouse program, although he did not rule out returning as a head coach at another program in North Jersey in the future.
“If something was to pop up in Jersey, if there was an opportunity to become a head coach, I’d look into it,” he said. “But that’s something that’s down the road. I just want to experience coaching at a high level like this. We’ll see what the future brings.”
UPDATED, 6/22, 6:58 p.m. —
The Nyack head football job has been posted within the district. Castellano’s top assistant for 21 of the last 23 years has been Jose St. Victor. Another assistant in recent years was Mike Ramponi, who also coaches the Nyack varsity basketball team.
Nyack AD Joe Sigillo told me the position has been posted in-house, per district policy. He expects to expedite the search for a new coach with key summer workouts on the horizon.
He said Castellano established a strong tradition at Nyack over the years. He hopes the student-athletes can use his departure and the decreased expectations that are likely to accompany it as motivation going forward.
“We’re looking to move quickly here,” Sigillo said. “He set the bar high. That’s for sure. And we’ll do everything we can to reach it.”
192 Comments
IVAN
I WILL TRAIN YOU!!!
prince, i dont know who tyrae woodson his but i highly doubt any1 in section 1 that can throw for 2,100 yards and 71% of his passes thats why the spread works in college and the nfl cause qbs are extrememly talented and versitly.
and i guess im a lil bias cause every1 in pelham should hate the spread due to the sad year 2008
ivan, i dont know if adding more will make a better offense. there is trying to hard or thinking too much about changing offenseif something is new i would keep t basic and simple and see where that goes.
prince, would think ill make a good coach someday?
lil pel
are you saying that tyrae woodson didnt put those numbers???... why dn’t you tube his video and tell me what you think!!!
lil pelham… Woodson-Samuels certainly did post those numbers. And I actually believe he rushed for more yards than Prince credited him for. In fact, he rushed for 200-plus in one of the games vs. St. Anthony’s even though he was primarily a passer.
I agree with Ozzy about the camps. It’s not about the competition. That’s what the scrimmages are for before the season. These camps are mostly instruction. The coaches then test their instruction against live offenses and/or defenses. The competition level is somewhat irrelevant.
Compare the teams that are at the White Plains camp in June vs. the White Plains scrimmages in November.
Ivan,
Good luck in your pursuit of the QB position. It will be interesting to see who Nyack can get for a HC.
It is late in the game and that is one thing that is really tough with Cas’s decision to leave. He definitely left the team in a tough spot.
I will be cheering for you either way and if you win the position and get us to the playoffs from the Spread I will change my screen name to Spreadguy…
Good luck and continue to work hard.
Just,
I have worked with Joe on several things and know and respect him. He is not going to hire this WingTGuy to coach Nyack.
10960 has a better shot…
WingTGuy, would you take it if it were offered ?
No, I just started a new job in Dutchess and Orange County. Can’t see Nyack giving me the same deal and I don’t think I would be the right choice for them.
If I did would you, Prince and Husky join my staff?
Don’t worry they will not offer me the job.
Wing T, assuming not Nyack, who would be your ideal HC job at the HS level?
New Ro? Horace Greeley? Ossining? Others? Keep in mind it is always easier taking a losing program since if you continue to lose no risk. But if you win, ALL reward!!!
Thoughts?
@ prince
haha that would be cool
@ lil pel
we have kept the wing T basic for quite a while. and over the years we have been on a decline. we definitely need change.
@ wing T guy
thank you for the good wishes!!
Wing t
You can count me in!! I would be more then happy!! Too join your staff I can hold a couple of dummies!... I know how to make good coffee!!
Ivan….. Your welcome!!... Good luck practice in your spare time!!!...:)
prince, i just watched woodson’s highlight vid and hes very good, sometimes ridicous. which makes my earlier point, which was its hard to find the right guy at the hs to be qb in the spread woodson and tyrell goodman are the only two guys in section 1 who can do it all
Lil pel
Woodson was a throw first run second!!! Type Qb goodman was a run first throw second!!!.... Ther are ton of goodman and woodson in sec1 they just hav not been used I can name a few
McGhee…. New Ro
McDermott….new Ro
Prince, both McGhees? I bet even the dad!!
But that is 2 to 3 over 7 (soon to be 8) years. But if you give both McGhees and Mc Dermott the nod as possible successful Spread QB’s, they cover a good amount of years. McDermott 2003-2004; Justin McGhee, 2006; Jonny McGhee 2007-2009. Not too bad.
prince, yes the top 3 programs in section 1/catholic leagues so it wont work most aa or a or any other lower class unless the player is a d1 rectruit
Lil Pelham
I disagree mapp from gorton, Cowans from mt.v , I can name a few others!.... You dnt need a d1 Qb to run the spread you need a coach too run it!!!.... Roose played the spread last season with Ritter a kid who never played Qb a day of life until 12 grade and they still competed!!!....rye Qb ( name is escaping me) from last year would have been a very good spread Qb!!..
Prince, lil Pelham,
Best example of a Wing t QB that would have been effective in the spread is Ray Nichols in 08 and especially 09 after Anthony Davis and Dom Leonard graduated.
One problem with the type of switch that Ivan is talking about is that blocking schemes and techniques change when you move to the spread and trying to integrate both can be an issue for protection schemes.
Nichols was hurt his senior year against Ossining on the very first shotgun formation of the year (maybe the decade) for Nyack.
Greeley last year ran a great Wing T/Spread offense that was very effective. Using wing t blocking schemes and some zone blocking from the shot gun. That is the type of offense Nyack could run as a transition if they are going to move to the spread to open up their offense.
Does Nyack have a Ciero like player to run it? You need an athletic and savvy player for the QB soread,
Nyack’s philosophy under Cas was run right, run left, run off tackle, run up the middle. Then play defense.
It would be very different to watch Nyack play to outscore their opponents.
wing t
do you believe that nyack has that type of athlete??.... i believe so they always produce weapons and i do believe that will stop in the spread greeley or stepinac version i think they can be good
Last years back-up QB was very effective when filling in for Brandon Richards at Nyack. In the Roosevelt loss, a game lost on special teams and Donald Davis getting injured on a touchdown saving tackle, some very nice runs and throws were made in an end-of-game almost winning drive.
..that is Davis was brought down (and suffered the toe injury) on a great open-field tackle by a Roosevelt player.
I hear that Ramaponi and Wizner are going to be Co-Head Coaches. Any official confirmation of this from Lion, WingTGuy, or 10960?
Just a parent and fan of the Nyack program, without any inside contacts. The 2 mentioned are good guys, but the step-up from assistant to HC is a big step.
I would like to see a wide open search beyond the Nyack community, a sentiment shared by many like-kind fans of the team. But, with the season almost here, I can half-understand going with current staff. The other half is, aren’t there any qualified HC’s or assistants, college or high school perhaps recently retired, who’d like to have a Nyack team for one year?
I agree with Lion on the wide open search and the concern for it being late in the game. Last time there was almost a coaching change it was in late spring. Nyack had a chance to get one of the up and coming coaches from Orange County. I think he was an assistant at Cornwall, a wingt coach. He was offered the job and decided not to take it. It would have been interesting if he had accepted the offer. Might have been a different program by now.
The timing is different this year. Very late and no time to recruit a top prospect from outside. Wiz and Ramponi are really good guys, but if they are going to a Co- head coach model I don’t see much success for the team this year.
I cannot confirm this.
Prince,
Nyack has had athletes at that level in the past. Ronnie King, Nigel Morris, Peter Somoylo, Ray Nichols to name a few. There were probably others who played wide receiver or wing back that might get some consideration.
Not sure if there is someone on that level on this year’s team. Interesting question.
Wing T, it might be time to paint Nyack “Purple” and bring the Spread in with PPR at the HELM,
Just
. 
Lol!.... if they bring me in!! You know I’m gonna request your services!!!!
co-coaching is bad, it confuses players, they dont know who to listen to or whos right
Just,
Nyack will never turn purple…
That is sacrilege even to mention such an idea. Now bringing in PPR to run the show. Is he ready for the spotlight? Cas will be a tough act to follow.
If I had a choice for coaching assignment, I would probably pick Spring Valley. Reminds me of Nyack when Cas took over in the 80’s. Great athletes and upside potential. Needs a solid coach (which I think they have now) and a consistent scheme on offense and defense.
Wing T, I like the SV idea. A lot of potential to do some great positve things, and I am talking off the field, forget about on the field!!!
Not saying the Coaches there are not doing it, just saying that would be a great opportunity in all facets.
As for Nyack, I will answer for PPR, he is ready!!! When you are from New Ro, and raised on 5th ave from the BEST youth football program around, you are born ready,
Lil P, great point. I cant see how Co-Coaching will work. There can only be one Captain of the Ship!!!
Prince, though I am sure there are many more qualified ( well maybe not many,
) , you get the job, I am in!!
I have a feeling, if that happened we would be getting some crank calls,
but you know no one is showing up to the school, 
There is no way Nyack will have co-coaches. Curious to hear peoples thoughts, especially Ivans, about Cas leaving he program so late and pretty much in disaray. From what I hear there are very few coaches in the Varsity and JV program. Also Nyack has not attended any camps or 7 on 7’s. Seems like Cas was disinterested and put little into the program although he did not leave until late June. His actions make it appear like he knew he was leaving much sooner. Any Nyack insides know if this is true? If so why would he wait until the last week of school to make the announcements?
Wing
of course I’m ready!...:) right that ship in no time!!!...as for the purple no need to change to it!! As long as we play like it!!... We will have ppl seeing purple anyway!!!....:). 
Am I ready to replace a legend!!.....is nyack!!. Ready to bring in another legend!!
Just facts….. You know if I get the job!!! This huge vessel will have two captains!!...
we might get the emails like I have. Hahahahaha 
It will need a great thinker and a great do’er!!. Lol… I will have call I.D. For the prankster (cowards)!!... So we already know how that will play out!!...... But you know the have connections with obtaining info!! .....( inside.. I’m winking)!
Yikes…..... You think cass.. Planned this great escape????.... ( scratching head)..... Wow good theory!!!... I hope not!!!.... I would lose some respect for him!!........
wing-t could this be possible????.....
Prince, dont worry, I have a way of getting info too. I been hitting guys with the super duper kiddie gloves for a long long time. You probably have as well.
As for Cass already knowing he was leaving. All I will say and this goes for different fields(business), but administrators/bosses get you doing things that take your mind off the goal which in HS Football terms, is and should always be the betterment of the players. Super hypothetical and not implying anything, but I could see Administrators pissing a Legend like Cass off to the point he wanted to get back at the admins and took his eye off who it hurts the most, THE PLAYERS!!!
just
pulling a stevie wonder!!!! on the program!!
everyone always claim these guys have the players 1st and thats why they do this and do that i say that hog wash!!... theyr’e fueling ther ego’s and ther STATS!!... and i can bet you my life!!... all the guys ” WHO DN’T KEEP THERE PLAYERS STATS”....... KEEP TRACK OF THER WINS AND LOSES AND EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THER STAFF CAN TELL YOU HIS CAREER RECORD ON DEMAND!!!.... SHAKE MY (BLEEPN) HEAD!!!......jaf i cn’t take these guys and ther b.s.!!! really i cn’t i about to put back on my steel gloves!!.... 
Prince, LOL at the “STEEL” Gloves!
I am thinking the best Stat these guys should keep is how many kids they get into college and For FREE!! You can’t save everyone, that is just life, but you need a huge fishing net to catch as many players as you can and put them on the right path. And this goes for every town and city, dont care what the sinancial/social make up is.
Wins and Losses is good for your ego and lets you know you are doing soemthing right as a Coach, but never forget the main goal. And if this is not the main goal, do something else with your time.
***financial
JUST
I SECOND THAT!!!.. ( TWO THUMBS UP)!!!!!
THATS FOR ALL Y’ALL KNOWN “STAT” KEEPER!!.....
Cas is and continues to do the right things for the Nyack community. You’ll hear fringe crumblings about his departure, but I believe this is more a reaction to concerns about the program future at its accustomed high level.
But Nyack admin has been wandering sports wise. 3 athletic directors and now it’s 4th superintendent in 5 years. The defeat of a bond to install turf fields, the boys basketball teams decline, a controversial dismissal of a popular baseball coach.
In many respects the district has improved greatly in it’s academic and social performance over the last 5 to 10 years. I am pleased with my kids education and the school atmosphere, but you can almost feel the sports program sliding. And this concerns me and other parents.
Most important to understand by the admin, is that where there have been good coaches there has been on and off the field success. Cas is the embodiment of this, but it is also evident in the girls lacrosse program and their great success, the boys lax team as well. Some of the long suffering teams, quite frankly are the direct results of less qualified coaches. Often very nice people but just not the organizers, motivators, or X’s and O’s folks to get the job done.
Lion, who are the front runners for the job?
Lion,
You have been caught hook line and sinker. Cas has let the football team slip. That is why he is leaving. How were the JV #’s last year? They actually folded mid way and did not play at least three games. That has to be on Cas. How is his relationship with the youth program? Could he identify his modified coaches?
Popular baseball coach? How was he viewed his first 2 years? Not well, everyone was trying to run him out of town. The new coach is viewed very highly. Stop making excuses for Cas, he can do that himself. Nyack athletics is fine and will get back to where it was. Lots of good things going on there both on the filed and off with athletics.
I am SO happy Jose is getting the job! He was my coach in his 1st & 2nd years at Nyack, 1981-1982, an dactually gave me my nickname- TATTOO, due to my short stature(from the 80’s TV show “Fantasy Island”), butalso my abiliy to leave a mark when hitting an opponent… He left an INDELIBLE MARK on my life & can’t wait to see him when I return to NY during the football season!
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