2 Ex-County Coaches May Return : Barron Offered Buena Park Job; Silberman Sonora Post

Mike Barron and Steve Silberman, who had coached high school football previously in Orange County, are expected to return to head two Fullerton Union School District programs next season.

Barron has been selected as the new coach at Buena Park High School; Silberman has been chosen as new coach at Sonora, said Dr. Greg Bice, district assistant superintendent.

Bice said he expects the selections of Barron and Silberman to be approved at the district’s regular board meeting April 15.

“We’ve offered them the contracts,” Bice said. “If they accept, I’d be very surprised if the board doesn’t approve them.”

Barron, who spent the last three years coaching West Hills Community College in Coalinga, was head coach at Rancho Alamitos from 1979 to 1982, a span during which the Vaqueros won three Garden Grove League championships.

Barron said he also has received a head coaching offer from another high school, which he refused to name, but is “leaning toward” accepting the job at Buena Park.

“Mike’s proven he can build programs,” said Paul Shane, Rancho Alamitos coach, who was an assistant to Barron. “I think he might have missed the high school atmosphere. I know he’s got the knowledge to turn that program around.”

Barron is replacing Bart Goldstein, who resigned after three seasons. Buena Park was 1-9 last year.

Silberman was head coach at La Canada High the last two years. He was named the 1985 Rio Hondo League coach of the year when he led the Spartans to their first playoff appearance in a decade. He was an assistant to Bob Rau at La Habra from 1980 to 1983.

“We’re very impressed with Steve,” said Dave Test, Sonora principal. “He came to us highly recommended. Not only is he an outstanding coach, but he knows the area from his years at La Habra.”

The man Silberman is succeeding, Gordon Blakeley, is happy with the choice.

“I think it’s a great pick,” said Blakeley, who coached the Raiders to a 4-6 record and a Central Conference playoff berth last year but decided to concentrate on coaching the baseball team after one season as baseball and football coach. “I coached against him when he was at La Habra. I know he was instrumental in the success they had there. He’s a solid man.”

Silberman had applied for the Sonora job last year, but was beaten out by Blakeley.

“We were impressed that Steve felt strongly enough about the school to reapply this season,” Test said.