Escondido High School has promoted Ian Kelly to head football coach after six seasons as an assistant, the school announced Jan. 22.
Kelly succeeds Stephen Dixon, who announced his resignation on X (formerly Twitter) in December.
Hired in 2023, Dixon’s Cougars went 2-9 this season and 12-23 over his three-year tenure. The program also made headlines in November 2024 after a sideline brawl broke out between Steele Canyon and the team.
In his post, Dixon wrote: “I’m extremely grateful God allowed me to be a part of Escondido High School and serve as their head coach. I want to personally thank Principal Jacobs and the administration for the opportunity to serve as a campus leader. With that said, I am stepping down. To my players and their families: I love you, and you all hold a special place in my heart. No matter what’s next in my life, know that I will always carry you loyal, strong, and true in my heart. God bless you all.”
The program has struggled in recent years. Escondido has cycled through multiple coaches since its most successful period under Paul Gomes from 2001 to 2009, when the team went 59–37–7 and won three league titles. The five coaches who followed Gomes, including Dixon, combined for a 49–95–2 record.
During Dixon’s tenure, Escondido also saw three key players transfer out: playmaker Ezekiel McIntyre, leading wide receiver Josh Gonzales, and quarterback Caden Thompson.
Kelly, 31, played high school football at Chaparral High School in Temecula, earning All-CIF honors as a defensive lineman. He played two seasons at Palomar College before finishing at Colorado State University-Pueblo, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He now teaches special education at Escondido.
“Coach Kelly is going to pour his heart and soul into those young men and into the Escondido program,” said Robert Mendez, Escondido’s assistant head coach and linebackers coach. “He brings an exceptional blend of high-level playing and coaching experience, matched only by his intensity in the weight room and a genuine commitment to developing kids the right way.”
Mendez said Kelly’s regular presence on campus is expected to reinforce the team’s culture. “Expect Escondido to continue to be tough, disciplined, and accountable,” he said. “Coach Kelly’s presence will elevate the culture, and the impact he’ll have on those players — on and off the field — will be felt for years to come.”
Players acknowledged Dixon’s influence on their development. Standout senior Bowyn Cannon, who rushed for 1,524 yards and 14 touchdowns this past season, said, “Coach Dixon was a great coach, and I learned a lot of key lessons from him. I was surprised at first that he stepped down, but I’m appreciative I was able to play for him.”
Under Kelly, Escondido’s offense is expected to run a physical, ground-based attack, while the defense will operate from a 3-3 alignment with multiple fronts.
Requests for comment from Kelly and Escondido High School were not returned by publication time.
