Long Beach Poly has appointed alum Travon Patterson as its new football coach, marking a return to leadership by an alumnus for the first time in a decade. Patterson, who played for Poly before continuing his career at USC and in the NFL, replaces the recently fired coach Justin Utupo amid a transitional period for the Jackrabbits. The hiring is backed by strong support from players and alumni, aiming to revitalize a program that has seen a decline with back-to-back 5-5 seasons and uncharacteristic forfeitures. Patterson is committed to rebuilding the team’s legacy and instilling a detail-oriented approach in both practice and gameplay.
By the NumbersLong Beach Poly has finished 5-5 in regular season play for the last two years.The Jackrabbits will have their third head coach in three years, an unprecedented situation for the program. State of PlayPatterson previously served as the receivers coach and associate head coach for Long Beach Poly.The team has lost the Moore League title in the last two years after only one loss in the previous three decades. What’s Next
Patterson aims to reinvigorate the program by focusing on speed and playmaking, alongside emphasizing a culturally rooted approach to football. He intends to foster a sense of pride in Poly’s legacy and address issues related to player recruitment and retention as he navigates the upcoming season.
Bottom Line
With a strong alumni backing and a focused vision, Patterson’s leadership may be just what Long Beach Poly needs to reclaim its storied legacy and better its performance after recent setbacks.