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Esperanza football coach JP Presley has “submitted his resignation” after four seasons, school principal Kelly Molina announced to the Aztecs’ players and families on Thursday.
With Esperanza set to open summer camp on June 29, Molina didn’t state the reason for the resignation.
“I am writing to inform you that coach Jason “JP” Presley has submitted his resignation as head football coach at Esperanza,” she wrote in an email to players and families. “We are grateful for Coach Presley’s dedication, leadership and commitment to our student-athletes and football program during his time at Esperanza.”
“We understand that coaching changes can bring questions and uncertainty,” the principal added. “Please know that our focus remains on providing a stable environment for our student-athletes and positioning the program for continued success.”
Presley, Molina and the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District have not responded to media questions this week.
Presley also has served as Esperanza’s athletic director. The minutes from the district board meeting on June 16 list the resignation of an unnamed athletic director at Esperanza effective June 30, 2026.
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Last season, Esperanza finished 4-6 and missed the playoffs. The Aztecs went 2-3 in the Kappa League and took fourth place.
The team reached the playoffs in 2023 and 2024 under Presley.
He finished with a 17-25 record at Esperanza.
Presley arrived at Esperanza in 2022 after a four-year run as the coach at Orange Lutheran, his alma mater.
With the football season approaching, Molina expressed urgency about finding a new coach.
“Esperanza High School will begin a competitive recruitment process for our next head football coach beginning June 18,” she stated. “Our goal is to identify a strong leader who will continue to build upon the traditions, values and success of Esperanza football while supporting the growth and development of our student-athletes.”
“In the interim, we will work closely with our existing coaching staff to ensure continuity within the program and provide support for all summer activities,” she added. “We are committed to maintaining a positive and productive experience for our players throughout this transition.”
Esperanza opens the season at Shadow Hills of Indio on Aug. 21.
This season and in 2027, the Aztecs will remain in the Kappa League and play against Canyon, Fullerton, Portola, St. Margaret’s and Sunny Hills.
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Please send football news to Dan Albano at [email protected]