Coach Paul Rodriguez

Role: Defensive Coordinator

Years Coaching: XX

Years at Rowland: X

Previous Programs: Mountain View, Belmont, Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary, South Gate, Manual Arts

Playing Background: 4-Year Player at Rowland High School (Class of 1999)

I believe in servant leadership and giving back to the community. Football is more than a game—it’s a classroom for life. It gives young people the space to fail, grow, and develop the skills needed to become better employees, citizens, fathers, husbands, and leaders. Through this game, I can mentor and serve, giving back everything football has given me.

As for Rowland—this is home. I’m an alumni from the Class of ’99. I grew up here, went to Blandford and Alvarado, and played for this very program. It’s an honor to return and give back to the place that raised me. On top of that, Coach Citos and I played together here, and after years of trying to coach side by side, it finally worked out.

What I want my players to remember most about me is that I cared about them as people, not just as football players—and that I gave everything I had to help them succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in life.

Football taught me that failure is inevitable—but what defines you is your response. Your response is who you really are.

My favorite part of the season? Friday Night Lights. There’s something powerful about the lights, the crowd, the band, and the whole community coming together. Football is one of the rare things that can unite an entire community in a positive way—and those moments are when all the hard work and sacrifice pay off.

The most important thing I try to teach every player is that life is about finding solutions, not making excuses. I live by sayings like:
“Solutions or excuses.”
“No BCD” (No blaming, complaining, or defending).
“Keep Climbing.”
Success comes to those who choose to solve problems, not dwell on them.

And to any young athlete thinking about joining this program? You’re being offered an opportunity to change your life for the better. This program will challenge you—but it will also support you every time you get knocked down. Play for us, and you’ll find more than just a team—you’ll find purpose, brotherhood, and family.