Evan Yabu has been named the head football coach at Notre Dame High School, the school’s Athletic Director, Alec Moss announced on Sunday.

Yabu, a Thousand Oaks native, brings a strong passion and energy to Notre Dame. Most recently, he was the head coach at Thousand Oaks High School, where he took over a program in the midst of a 25-game losing streak. In Yabu’s second full season, he led his team to the first playoff berth in five years. This year’s team had the first undefeated 10-0 regular season record in the history of the school, and won its first league title in over 20 years before losing in the playoffs. Last week it was announced that the Ventura County Football Coaches Association voted Yabu and his staff the “Varsity Coaching Staff of the Year.” 

“I am extremely excited about being able to hire Evan Yabu as our next head football coach,” said Moss. “Throughout this search, Evan’s name continuously came up as a coach who has immense passion for the game of football, for his ability to develop talent and because he cares deeply for the well-being of his athletes.”

“I am grateful beyond measure,” said Yabu. “I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to be a part of a football program and community so rich with tradition.”

Yabu is dedicated to shaping the lives of young athletes, guiding them not only in football, but in health, wellness and mindfulness. Yabu’s personal philosophy is deeply aligned with Notre Dame’s four Holy Cross Mission themes: Being Family, Bringing Hope, Building Respect and Educating Hearts and Minds. Yabu is committed to upholding these four pillars for the Notre Dame football community, on and off the field.

Notre Dame Football has a rich tradition of excellence over the past 75 years and Yabu is committed to continuing that tradition, while embracing innovative training methods and integrating technology to maximize the potential within each student-athlete.

Moss added: “Evan has strong relationships within many football communities and will use those relationships to support our student-athletes on and off the field and with their desires to play football beyond Notre Dame,” said Moss. ”I am very excited about Evan’s vision for the future of Notre Dame football, while he also embraces and honors the strong tradition that the great past coaches and players have built over the last 75 years.  

Prior to coaching at Thousand Oaks, Yabu was a wide receivers coach at Camarillo High School. Under his leadership the team went 11-2 on the season and made it to the semifinal round of the playoffs. 

In addition to working at the high school level, Yabu also has experience coaching at the college level, as the special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach at Moorpark College from 2015-17. In 2017, he was promoted to the role of offensive coordinator, his offense finished the season ranked third in the conference. 

WHAT  PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT EVAN YABU 

“Evan is more than a football coach. He is a life coach. His love and care for each and every player in the program goes beyond the X’s and O’s and will be one of the greatest influences in any young man’s life.” - Alex Singleton, Linebacker, Denver Broncos

“ Evan has always played an important role in the Proway Family. His attention to detail is unmatched. I am excited for him, as he is one of the best teachers in the game. I will forever endorse Evan Yabu in any of his endeavors.” - Darick Holmes, Owner of The Proway Training