Football season is well underway, and while we may be pinning our hopes on the Niners (once again), we shouldn’t neglect the high school teams on our doorstep. Folsom High School’s Bulldogs won their fifth state title in 2023 and are hoping for another this year. What’s behind their success? We asked head varsity football coach Paul Doherty.

Tell us about your career in football and journey to coaching.  

I grew up in San Francisco, which is where I fell in love with football, after playing quarterback for two years in high school and competing against some of the Bay Area’s best teams.  

At the time (’96-’99), some big quarterback names were emerging—Danny Wuerffel, Tim Couch, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. My team would play at Kezar Stadium on Friday nights, wake up early for practice on Saturdays, and then find a TV to watch the Notre Dame game on.

All of that—combined with my father's excitement and passion for college football, where he played quarterback—pushed me to pursue playing after high school. I doggedly sought out a school and landed at Menlo College (Division III). I played my first year for Doug Cosbie who became my lifelong mentor; he recognized my passion for learning and for the sophistication and strategy of the game and steered me into coaching. In 2006, he hired me to coach at Sacramento High School and introduced me to then Folsom High School coach Troy Taylor.

I started coaching in Folsom in 2018. My wife, Kari, and I moved to the area in 2020, and it's been the best experience for our young family! We have two incredibly active boys, Luke and Liam, in elementary school; Kari teaches at Sutter Middle School. It's a big deal that our whole family can be intrinsically involved in everything Folsom—and everything Folsom football—every day!

What does a typical day look like?

Kari and I try to share drop off at elementary, but I often get pulled into Folsom High School early for a variety of tasks or to wrap up the previous football day. After teaching three traditional PE classes, I prep for the fifth and sixth period football classes that prime the kids for a full practice after school. 

 Depending on the day, we finish anywhere from 5-7 p.m., and then I transition to the youth field where I coach the junior pee wee team (including my oldest son!) alongside Jordan Banning, associate head coach at Folsom High School. I admit, it might be the best part of the day, as my youngest can be found frolicking on the sidelines, and my wife is usually in attendance as the team mom. The littles provide a break from the intense nature of varsity football. 

 It all makes for a long day—returning home at 9 p.m., only to eat dinner and start over the next day—but it fits in well with our family life at this time.

You've had great success in recent seasons. How do you keep the team, department, and school focused? 

We live in a culture set by previous coaching regimes: Stay humble, stay hungry, and know that mature teams win championships. The kids want to get better, and clear, transparent accountability is the best medicine. We film everything at practice and games, so whether we’re coaching or correcting assignment, scheme, technique, or even body language, the feedback is usually well-received, as the kids are smart and can see it all for themselves in real time.

What do you think is behind the success, aside from your coaching? 

The community. It starts from the top—a school district that prides itself on solid programs, education-based athletics, and other extracurricular activities, including football. The priority of balance for student athletes is made clear on campus by the principal and support staff in administration. The teachers and coaches are clearly at the heart of the program, but players, parents, sponsors, and community members all want to see these kids succeed and all have great faith in the direction we pull the team. It really is a team effort, and a K-12 program.

What are your hopes for this season?

I hope to create an incredible experience for the players, parents, and community.

What’s your favorite restaurant? 

My wife and I try to make it to Scott's Seafood Roundhouse at least once a year. We also regularly indulge in Nara Sushi—it’s incredible!

When you find the time, how do you relax?

Time spent at home with my family is the absolute best. My wife is a regular at Powerhouse Fitness, and her experience there is the best thing for everyone in the house.

Best perk of the job? 

The job is the perk!  

by Caroline Kings
photos by Jyo Bhamidipati