Paramus Catholic Lands Greg Russo As New Head Coach

PARAMUS, NJ — Greg Russo has accepted the head coaching position at Paramus Catholic, a homecoming of sorts for the reigning North 1 Group 4 sectional champion coach.

Russo, a Paramus Catholic alum, returns to the city after a successful stint at Northern Highlands High School, including a championship victory over Ramapo.

It was the second of two championships for Russo during his five seasons at Northern Highlands, when he led the team to a record of 26-6.

Russo told NorthJersey.com that he'd gotten other offers during his tenure there, but none that could entice him to leave a place he loved. That is, until his first home came calling.

Russo was a running back and defensive back for the 1997 Parochial Group 3 championship team at Paramus Catholic, and his family has a history at the school. He was also the school's offensive coordinator for six years.

“I went here. My father went here, my brother went here, my uncles went here, my cousins went here,” Russo told NorthJersey. “I coached here for all that time and had a great experience – so, there’s a special attachment here, and to me, there’s no better place to really get a program rolling and be great at football. This is a sleeping giant.”

Though the first few days after the news broke were bittersweet for Russo, those within the Paramus Catholic program got not a single hint of bitterness.

"Today we had the opportunity to welcome Coach Greg Russo back to Paramus Catholic," the athletic department said, on Twitter.

"Russo is an accomplished coach and PC Alum, we are thrilled to have you coaching our football program."