Steven Deutsch steps down as Avondale head football coach

After 14 years as Avondale High School head football coach, Steven Deutsch is stepping down. Deutsch, who has been with Avondale School District for 31 years, will remain at the high school teaching mathematics and physical education but has decided against continuing with the football program, choosing to focus instead on family life. “Coaching football is a year-round sport and takes numerous hours of dedication. I look forward to dedicating some of the hours to being with my family and watching my teenage son who is entering high school next year,” he said.

Under Deutsch’s leadership, 14 Avondale varsity football teams broke multiple school records, earned many state-level recognitions, and compiled a 73-61 record. Developing countless All-League and All-State athletes, many who went on to play collegiate football, Deutsch was most proud of seeing his players grow into men of good character. During an interview about then Avondale senior Joshuwa Holloman’s plans to attend University of Cincinnati, Deutsch said that “it’s one of the greatest things in the world, to see all their dedication and hard work pay off. (Joshuwa) is a good kid, he’s got good character, he’s humble. It’s really good to see good kids get good things and see good things happen. I couldn’t be more proud.”

Grateful for the opportunity to work with the student athletes, Deutsch is also appreciative of years spent with his coaching staff including James Prince, Anthony Epperson, Matt Luhmann, Andy Cox, and Tom Cleary. “Many of these men are not just colleagues, but great friends.”

Deutsch, named 2008 Regional Coach of the Year and Oakland Athletic Association Coach of the Year, summed up his coaching career, “I have had a great experience working with some wonderful people in Avondale.”

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