Jesse Davis, the longtime Wellesley High School football coach and one-time Raider player, has announced that he is leaving the program after 14 years. Davis currently remains a special education teacher and United Track coach at Wellesley High.
Davis took over the head coaching job in 2012 after serving as defensive coordinator under Bill Tracey.
Davis was a football captain for the Super Bowl-bound Raiders in 1998, and later played at Norwich University. He has also coached wrestling at Wellesley High.
The coach leaves the Raiders on a winning note, with his final game a 20-6 victory over Needham High on Thanksgiving Day.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Davis wrote in part:
“This was a completely internal decision, and while it wasn’t an easy one to make, I know it is the right time. It has been an honor leading this program, and I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support I’ve received from the administration and the entire Wellesley community throughout my time as head football coach.”
Davis thanked former and current coaches, players, and families in the note.
He ended vowing: “Once a Raider, always a Raider.”
Athletic Director John Brown issued a statement of his own, and wrote that Davis has “always represented our Town, School, Athletic Program and Football Team with class, dignity and ‘Raider Pride’ for the 14 years he was our Head Football Coach. Jesse has done a great job with our program and will be missed as our Head Coach… We fully expect Jesse to remain a part of our Football and Athletic Program for many more years but understand his current desire to spend more time with his family and watch his own children play the sports that they love.”
Players, parents and others left comments on Davis’s social media posts, with the word “honor” appearing frequently as well as references to teaching that went beyond football.
Tenny Charney, a Wellesley High senior who will be playing football at Holy Cross, shared “I’ve had the privilege of playing under Coach Davis for the past four years, and it’s been an absolute honor. His leadership has played a major role in helping me reach the next level, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything he’s done for me. I’ll always value the long-lasting relationship we’ve built.”
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I had the privilege of working with Jesse and getting to know him personally. I consider myself fortunate to be able to call him a friend. The Wellesley community is lucky to have him and lucky that he is staying on as part of the faculty. Whomever decides to take on the role as head coach will certainly have big shoes to fill. Thanks Jesse for all you do and have done for the kids and the community.
Thanks for sharing this Chuck