Kennedy’s Coaching Staff Is Proactive

Kennedy High has enjoyed a professional touch for several years.

Dion Lambert, the defensive coordinator, is a former NFL defensive back and line coach Akili Calhoun played in three professional leagues as a defensive tackle.

Another former NFL player has joined the staff this season. Tony Brown will coach defensive backs.

Brown was drafted by the Houston Oilers out of Fresno State in 1991 and played for the Oilers and Seattle Seahawks. He is a walk-on coach.

“I love teaching these kids football,” Brown said. “It’s so much fun to be back at Kennedy. These kids really work hard.”

Bob Francola, whose first season as Kennedy head coach was Brown’s junior year in 1986, relishes the expertise his NFL veterans bring to the staff. Lambert and Calhoun are also Kennedy alumni.

“My frame of reference as a player is the 1960s, but these guys bring in the latest techniques and drills,” Francola said. “You can attend all the clinics in the world, but nothing is as good as having guys with NFL experience come back as coaches.”