Introducing the New LCHS Football Coach

has announced the hiring of new head football coach James Sims, the 12th coach in La Cañada’s history.

Sims, who takes over the program from Dan Yoder after coaching the Spartans for three seasons, comes to La Cañada from Hawthorne High School in Jacksonville, FL. Hawthorne High School (6-12) is one of the smallest schools in Florida, which Sims feels will help him relate to the culture of La Cañada, according to a press release from LCHS.

Sims' record is 75-63 in 12 years, running multiple offenses and defenses.

What does he believe will work best for the Spartans?

“I had a lot of success running the triple option in the past, but it is important for me to meet the players before making any decision on schemes for either the offense or the defense,'' he said in the release.

"I believe a coach should base his schemes off of the talent he has instead of forcing the talent into his scheme.''

As for his vision for Spartan Football, Sims wants his players to "remain premier students while striving to become the best athletes they can be.'' Still, to the teams who find La Cañada on their schedule, Sims says, "They are in for a battle when they play the Spartans.”

Regarding the current staff, Sims said he understands some folks decided not to coach after last season, but he believes continuity is important when a new coach is hired, because those staff members already have built relationships with the players.

Sims' Football Philosophy

"It is my philosophy that a coach is a mentor, father, brother and guidance counselor. It is every coach’s dream to win the big game, the championship, and be carried off the field.

"As a coach I realize there are far more important things than the thrill of victory. That includes the growth of a young man both externally and internally. The value of moral lessons far exceeds those of victory,'' he said.

Favorite Quote

"Players don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.''

Sims' Biography

Born Nov. 19, 1966, in Akron, OH, Sims spent most of his childhood dedicated to athletics. Playing sports such as football and basketball gave him passion for every phase of athletics. Working with a team to accomplish goals became his primary goal in life. His love for youth became evident while completing a high school internship at a local elementary school.  

He earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Toledo, where he studied recreation and leisure education. During his freshmen year he suffered what would turn out to be a career-ending injury in football. This life-altering injury changed the trajectory of his intended career.

He joined the United States Navy, serving four years honorably before being discharged as a disabled veteran during the first Persian Gulf War. He then completed his Bachelor of Science in Community Health at the University of North Florida in May of 1996. 

In 1999, while working as a mortgage broker, he became a part-time football coach at the largest high school in Jacksonville, FL, where he realize that he had been away from his true passion too long--working with youth and athletics. He decided to substitute-teach to get to know the student body and gain a better relationship with the football players. 

It was this decision that changed his life and made him pursue a career as a teacher and football coach. He went on to become a teacher and football coach at a local private school in Jacksonville for five years.

Prior to taken the position at La Cañada High School he was head varsity coach for football, boys’ weightlifting and girls’ weightlifting at Hawthorne Middle Senior High School, where he also taught mathematics and physical education.

He completed his Masters of Science in Athletic Administration from Nova Southeastern University in the summer of 2011 and is currently working on his doctoral degree at the same university.

Coach Sims has a handful of players playing in the NFL and several on the collegiate level Division I thru NAIA.