Ends successful decade-long tenure

Posted on: Wednesday, March 7, 2018

By TOM CONDARDO

LYNNFIELD — Neal Weidman, one of the most successful coaches in the history of Lynnfield High football, has tendered his resignation and will not be returning as head coach of the Pioneers this fall.

NEAL WEIDMAN

Weidman informed his players and coaches on Tuesday of his intention to step down.

“I’m at a crossroads with a few different things and I was unsure about coming back,” Weidman told the Villager. “And I felt if I was unsure, then I shouldn’t be doing it.”

The announcement caps a wildly successful 10-year run that saw the Weidman-coached Pioneers compile a 78-34 record – a .696 winning percentage – the highest of any Lynnfield football coach. His 78 wins are second only to Bill Rodan who had 101 wins in his 16 seasons as Pioneer head coach.

During Weidman’s 10 seasons, the Pioneers captured seven league championships and two division titles, played in 15 playoff games, including a trip to the Super Bowl, and made it to three division title games. Weidman was a Lynnfield assistant coach from 1999-2001 and again in 2005 and 2006 before becoming head coach in 2007.

Weidman said he currently has no plans to coach this fall.

NEAL WEIDMAN is stepping down as head coach of the LHS football team. Weidman spent 10 years as the head coach, compiling a 78-34 record, seven league championships, two division titles and a Super Bowl appearance. (Tom Condardo File Photo)

“I haven’t looked for anything and no one has reached out to me and I will not be actively seeking anything else,” he said.

Weidman will be staying on as a teacher at the high school.

In a note to parents, Weidman said leading the Pioneers for the past 10 seasons “has been among the most fulfilling things I have done. My family and I value the many memories we have made being part of this football program over the years.”

Weidman also expressed his thanks to all the players he has coached over the years and all the supporters of the program for their commitment to him, the coaching staff, and the players.

He also noted he will continue to assist with the off-season activities while the administration conducts the search for his replacement.

“This was a ridiculously hard decision,” Weidman said. “Head coaching is a big commitment and I’ve always prioritized it and maybe even at times it shouldn’t have been the top priority, but that’s the only way you can do it because it’s pretty demanding. I’m sure I’m going to regret it next fall when the first day rolls around. Hopefully I’ll get another opportunity if I want one some day.”