Dean Herrington, who last coached at St. Francis, was hired announced Friday as the new coach at St. Bernard.

The school is officially now known as St. Bernard College Prep.

“Coach Herrington arrives at St. Bernard with one of the most accomplished coaching resumes in California football,” the school’s press release said. “Known for building winning programs, innovative offensive systems, and developing elite quarterback talent, Herrington brings decades of experience across the high school and junior college levels,”

Herrington took over at St. Francis in 2021 and had back-to-back CIF-SS championship game appearances in 2021 and 2022. He spent five seasons with the Golden Knights, compiling a 35-26 record.

In 2024, he led St. Francis to the Division 6 championship game, losing to Murrieta Mesa.

Before St. Francis, Herrington spent six seasons at Paraclete, where he won a CIF-SS and State championship in 2016 and another CIF-SS title in 2017.

“It makes it easier when you have good players,” Herrington said. “Work hard, get better, study film, evaluate talent, build culture and morale …I’ve been lucky to have kids that have bought in to what we were trying to accomplish.”

Before that, he spent 10 seasons at Alemany, where he won seven league championships and a CIF-SS championship game in 2009.

“Coach Herrington brings a rare combination of championship experience, player development expertise, and deep commitment to forming young men of character,” school president Casey Yeazel said in a statement. “As a Catholic school, our mission is not only to develop great athletes, but to help shape young men who live lives of integrity, discipline, and faith. We are thrilled to welcome a coach of his caliber to St. Bernard. His track record of helping student-athletes succeed both on the field and in life aligns perfectly with our mission.”

St. Bernard shut down its football program for three years (2021-23) and restarted in 2024, posting a 4-6 record. Last season, the Vikings went 5-5 under Charles Mincy

“The vision that the president and principal have, all the upgrades they’re making at the school, I can’t wait to get started,” Herrington said. “I believe we will have all of the resources available.”

St. Bernard is in the process of undergoing a massive makeover with a $20 million upgrade underway.

“This appointment comes at an exciting and transformative time for St. Bernard College Preparatory as the school advances major campus revitalization and program expansion initiatives.”

The school also is aiming to increase student population, which is around 200 now.