Fernando Jones Hired As Next Whaler Football Head Coach

The Nantucket Athletic Department announced Friday afternoon that they have hired Fernando Jones to be the football team’s next head coach. Jones, who is currently the Director of Operations for the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, has a strong connection to the island’s student population.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and build upon the foundation of success that has been established in previous years,” Jones said. “Coaching on Nantucket is a uniquely dynamic experience, and I will take the responsibility of coaching these young players seriously. Our players are resilient and hard-working and alongside a staff of dedicated coaches and role models, we will field a disciplined team that the entire Nantucket community can be proud of."

Nantucket Athletic Director Travis Lombardi said Jones being a familiar face in the island community and the football program, as well as his wealth of football knowledge, leadership experience, and a deep commitment to student-athlete development made his candidacy for the position intriguing.

"His Nantucket football coaching background includes serving as head coach of the Cyrus Peirce Middle School football program from 2022-2024, where he emphasized player development, participation, and team culture," Lombardi said. "He also previously served as an assistant varsity coach for Nantucket High School as well, working with running backs and defensive backs. Beyond football, Coach Jones has built an impressive professional career centered around leadership, mentorship, and community engagement."

In his role with the club, Jones oversees their youth programming, staff development, budgeting, and facility operations. They welcome more than 1,300 youth members through their doors annually at the club.

"His background also includes service as a First Lieutenant and Platoon Leader in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, where he managed training initiatives, equipment operations, and resiliency programs for more than 100 soldiers," Lombardi said. "Nantucket Public Schools believes Coach Jones’ unique blend of coaching experience, leadership, and community involvement makes him an outstanding fit to lead the next chapter of Whaler football."