Reese Everett Steps Down As Football Head Coach

The Nantucket football team will be under new leadership next fall as head coach Reese Everett informed the Nantucket Athletic Department recently that he is stepping down as head coach.

Everett confirmed the news to the Current Thursday evening, stating that it was a difficult decision but he will be moving off island to tend to some personal and family matters.

"Making a decision to leave a special place like Nantucket does not come easy," Everett said. "It has been an honor to have the opportunity to coach for such an amazing group of student-athletes. I think it’s evident that we have the best athletes on Nantucket and I think they exhibit that season in and season out. Despite my absence, I think Nantucket football remains in great hands and I think that starts with the leadership that they all instilled within themselves. The leaders in the football program know exactly what it takes to be successful and I don’t see those guys taking their foot off the gas."

Everett was hired by athletic director Travis Lombardi in February of 2024, and he coached two seasons. The hire paid off quickly with Everett leading Nantucket to an Island Cup victory at Fenway Park in 2024. This past fall, the Whalers finished their regular season with a 9-0 record before losing in round one of the MIAA state tournament. It was their first state tournament appearance since 2021.

"This decision was not made lightly," Lombardi said. "Coach Everett has cited personal and family matters that require his full attention and presence, and he feels he is unable to give the program the level of commitment, focus, and leadership it deserves at this time. Coach Everett has been a part of the Whaler Football program for the past four years, two years as an assistant coach and the last two as head coach. During that time, he worked tirelessly on behalf of our student-athletes and helped instill new values, expectations, and standards within the program that we hope to continue building upon. We are grateful for the time, energy, and commitment he gave to Whaler Football, and we appreciate the positive impact he has had on our players."

Lombardi said the search for a new head coach will begin soon and that the Athletic Department will be communicating updates as appropriate - adding that he is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continued support for the athletes.

"On behalf of Nantucket High School, I want to thank Coach Everett for his dedication to our program and wish him and his family all the best moving forward," Lombardi said.

"I am proud of each and every one of our athletes and coaches for what they accomplished together thus far and what they will accomplish in the coming years," Everett said. "I will forever be a proud supporter of Nantucket Whaler Football and the next head coach will be very blessed to work with such an amazing group of kids. Thank you to all of those who supported me over the past couple of years. Much love and blessings to you all."