All-Boys Catholic High School
Eugene “Gene” Delle Donne ‘05 Named Salesianum’s New Head Football Coach
Eugene "Gene" Delle Donne '05 has been named Salesianum's new Head Football Coach, the thirteenth in Salesianum's storied athletic history. Delle Donne will be taking the reins from Head Coach William DiNardo, who recently announced that he would be stepping away from the football program after amassing a historic 300th career win this fall.
Delle Donne brings a wealth of coaching and leadership skills to the position. As a Salesianum athlete, he was named 2004 Gatorade Player of the Year (DE) and was a four-year varsity letterman. Following his Salesianum career, Delle Donne was a two-year starter at Middle Tennessee State University. Most recently, he has served as Salesianum's Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Varsity Football Coach, with responsibilities that include handling practice and game-day install, team management, and overseeing college recruiting for prospects in the program. He has also been tapped to assist the basketball program as an Assistant Varsity Coach for the 2009/2010 and 2020/2021 seasons. In addition, he serves as the school's Director of Community Relations, assisting with marketing, admissions, and fundraising activities. Delle Donne also enjoys a background in youth athletics and has served as a coach for various local youth programs.
Athletic Director Katie Godfrey shared, "Coach Delle Donne is one of our own, and we believe that he has the vision and commitment to build upon the tradition that is Salesianum Football and the foundation that was laid by all the great coaches that came before him. Our multi-layered hiring process involved current student-athletes and coaches, administrators, and notable former players. Coach proved that his passion for football is only surpassed by his dedication to the student-athletes and the mission of our school."
His coaching philosophy draws on his belief that a winning coach must exude leadership qualities such as determination and decisive decision-making, be a great communicator and have the adaptability to coach each player differently. Delle Donne looks forward to establishing various new initiatives, including the S.A.L.S. Player Pillars. This acronym will work to ensure players embrace the standards of service, accountability, leadership, and success.
Delle Donne enthusiastically shared, "We will create a culture where excellence is expected. Our student-athletes will have all the resources needed to succeed as successful football players, students, and young men. I am fired up to get to work building a staff and continuing the great connections and relations with our players!"
In his free time, Delle Donne enjoys golf, coaching his daughter, and spending summers vacationing with his family in Ocean City, New Jersey.
ACCREDITED BY MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION