SAN MARCOS — Mission Hills High School has named longtime assistant Thomas Altieri as its next head football coach, making him just the second permanent head coach in program history.
Altieri, a 2005 graduate of Vista High School, played collegiately at Arizona State University before beginning his coaching career at Mission Hills in 2010 as a substitute teacher and offensive line coach. He most recently served as the Grizzlies’ defensive coordinator.
He succeeds longtime coach Chris Hauser, who led the Grizzlies from the program’s first season in 2004 through his resignation this past October. Hauser stepped aside after being placed on paid administrative leave during a district investigation into a locker-room incident between two players.
The district review determined that, in addition to student misconduct, certain program staff failed to follow established supervision and reporting protocols.
During the remainder of the season, former Mission Hills quarterback DJ Zapata served as interim head coach.
Hauser finished his career with a 176‑74‑2 record at Mission Hills, highlighted by a 2013 CIF San Diego Section Open League championship.
The program also produced future NFL players Chris Olave and Fred Warner.
Despite the midseason leadership change, the Grizzlies finished 9‑2, led by a high-powered offense featuring quarterback Troy Huhn and wide receivers Brayden Roberson and Josh Gonzales. Mission Hills advanced to the CIF San Diego Section Open Division playoffs, where its season ended in a 42‑35 semifinal loss to eventual section champion Cathedral Catholic.
In an email to The Coast News, San Marcos Unified School District public information officer Christine Lee said the head coach position drew strong interest and that the school conducted a thorough selection process.
“Ultimately, Thomas Altieri distinguished himself through his deep knowledge of the program, more than 16 years of coaching experience, and his long-standing dedication to Mission Hills student-athletes,” Lee wrote. “His vision for the future of the program and his commitment to supporting students both on and off the field were key factors in the decision.”
Altieri, along with fellow assistant coach Edward Nuckols, was previously placed on paid administrative leave during the district’s review. Lee said the district followed established policies and procedures, and both coaches were cleared to return to their roles in late October.
“We remain focused on supporting our student-athletes and the continued success of the program,” Lee wrote.
As a player at Vista High, Altieri earned First-Team All-CIF honors and was named a First-Team All-State selection during his senior season. At Arizona State, he started 22 games at center during his junior and senior seasons.
Freshman wide receiver/tight end Brody Berman told the Coast News that he is “excited and looking forward to the next three years I have at Mission Hills.”
