Tommy McMahon is the new head coach of the football team.

After graduating from Branham in 2012, McMahon worked as the offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2024.

This season, McMahon wants to implement four main goals for all of his players: graduate from high school, serve and inspire the community, become mentally-tough individuals who can make the right decisions and win the CCS championship. He hopes to use football as a platform for players, not only on the field, but through community, academics and post-graduation success. 

“I have a much greater opportunity now being able to impact everyone on the team, starting with building a certain culture, which will help the kids more than just on the field,” McMahon said.

Senior Noah Ybarra, who plays left tackle, believes McMahon’s new coaching philosophy has been successful.

“This foundation he is setting and building is way better than anything we’ve ever had before,” Ybarra said. “Setting it from the start was the best thing that could have happened for our program.” 

Senior Christopher King, who plays cornerback, agrees with McMahon’s emphasis on building up players from within rather than focusing on winning every game. 

“At the end of the day, football is four years of most of these people’s lives — eight, if they’re lucky to go to college,” King said. “It’s a lot more important to develop the team, but also individuals into people they can be proud of.” 

One way McMahon works to shape players into better people and teammates is through weekly “Lead the Way” meetings. Every Monday, McMahon presents or invites guest speakers to talk about aspects of life outside of the football field.

“There’s portions that apply to the football field, but the main priority is teaching these kids valuable life lessons and things that are going to help them be successful post high school,” McMahon said.

Reactions have been mixed. According to King, while some people find the meetings boring, many take McMahon’s advice well.

“It’s not necessarily fun to talk about being an adult, but it’s something you have to do,” King said. “It’s nice to hear what he has to say, and it’s given me a lot of insight into where I want to be and how I want to be as a person and a football player.”

Besides setting new goals for the team, McMahon has also brought a newer coaching style. King noted that quick segments and water breaks in between drills make practice feel more fast-paced. 

Skipping practice or misbehaving in the weight room results in stricter punishments like sled pushes instead of missing playing time. Ybarra said a lack of effort or discipline means three burpees for the whole team.

“If one person messes up, we all pay for it,” Ybarra said. “We succeed together and we lose together. Learning that aspect has built the trust within me [in] my teammates.”

This level of trust did not exist last year, and the team was divided even during their victories, according to Ybarra.

“The aspect of truly being a team wasn’t ever apparent until Coach Tommy stepped in. Our emotions towards each other and the way we treat each other is so much better, and it wouldn’t be possible if we weren’t leading the way and trying to be what we all say we’re gonna be,” Ybarra said. “The bond we’ve built through this new foundation is so much stronger than it’s ever been, and it’s gonna be so apparent when we ultimately get to take the field in a couple weeks.”

Image Source: Tomer Vardi/Bear Witness