St. Augustine High School is proud to announce the hiring of Ron Caragher as its new head football coach. Coach Caragher, former head football coach at USD and San Jose State, will become the school’s 25th head coach in its 101-year history.
“We are excited for the opportunity to have Coach Caragher come on board at Saints,” said Matt Linville, Director of Athletics. “Hiring such an experienced, dedicated, and well-respected person is a huge win for Saints. Coach Caragher is a man who believes in community, faith, and education and we are thrilled to have him.”
Assistant Principal for Auxiliary Services, Mike Haupt, added, “Coach Caragher is bringing nearly 30 years of collegiate Division 1 experience to Saints. His wealth of experience as a coach, educator, and administrator will help take Saints football to new heights.”
After his collegiate career as a quarterback at UCLA ended, Coach Caragher served as a graduate assistant at UCLA under Terry Donahue, earning degrees in Administrative Studies and Education. After UCLA, he was hired by Rich Brooks at Kentucky, serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, helping Kentucky to its first bowl game victory in over 20 years (2006 Music City Bowl win over Clemson). After four years at Kentucky, Coach Caragher was hired as the head football coach at University of San Diego. While at USD, his teams went 44-22, winning three Pioneer League titles and being named Pioneer League Coach of the Year in 2011. Following USD, Caragher became the head coach at San Jose State from 2013-2016, as SJSU transitioned into the Mountain West Conference. Caragher’s time at San Jose was highlighted with a 27-16 win over Georgia State in the 2015 Cure Bowl and a 66-52 win over then-No. 16 Fresno State in 2013. Following San Jose State, Caragher spent two years at San Diego State under head coach Rocky Long. Most recently, Caragher worked as an Assistant Athletic Director at USD from 2020-2022.
“The school is electric after hearing of Coach Caragher’s arrival. His record as an educator, coach, and leader of young men speaks for itself,” said St. Augustine President Edwin Hearn.
“Coach Caragher has served in recruiting roles, all phases of coaching, and in administrative roles at the collegiate level,” said Linville. “He knows how to work within a budget, coordinate travel and logistics, handling a wide variety of fundraising efforts, how to hire a staff, and most importantly, how to mentor young men and foster relationships that extend beyond the football field. He understands community involvement and the importance of education. During his time at USD he worked with the Autism Tree Foundation and developed an annual mentor program.”
Saints Principal, James Horne, added, “I am delighted we have a skilled coach and educator who understands his role in an academic and athletic environment. He is a true gentleman who is highly respected as an educator, coach, and member of the greater San Diego community.”
Mr. Ron Caragher, Head Football Coach
Caragher is a native of San Jose, where he graduated from an all-boys catholic school at Bellarmine College Preparatory. During his time at SJSU, his three sons, Josh (27), Ryan (25), and Scott (24) all attended and graduated from Bellarmine as well. Coach Caragher currently resides in La Mesa with his wife of 33 years, Wendy.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to be at St. Augustine High School,” Caragher said. “I am very familiar with the school, having recruited its athletes for a number of years. I believe in the school’s mission and I am truly excited for the opportunity to work with outstanding young men at such a crucial stage in their academic and athletic development as high school scholar athletes.”
If you are interested in Saints Football, have questions or would like to support the program, please contact head coach Ron Caragher.
