Bobby Acosta has announced his resignation as the head football coach at St. John Vianney High School after just one season, citing personal reasons. In a statement released on January 25, 2025, he said, “As head coach at St. John Vianney, I was fully dedicated to the football program. However, due to personal circumstances, I believe stepping down is the right decision.”
During his brief tenure, Acosta guided the Lancers to an impressive 9-4 record, taking them to the NJSIAA Non-Public B semifinals as the 10th seed. The team’s success was fueled by standout players like sophomore running back Abdul Turay, who delivered an outstanding 2,517 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns, and junior quarterback Zach LaBarca, who contributed 1,903 passing yards, 750 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns.
Acosta’s departure has raised concerns about the future of key players such as Turay and LaBarca, who joined St. John Vianney from Donovan Catholic last summer. It remains uncertain whether they will continue with the program following the coaching change.
In recent years, St. John Vianney has seen considerable turnover in its football coaching staff, with four head coaches in the last six seasons and seven in the past eleven. In response to Acosta’s resignation, the school emphasized its commitment to supporting its students, stating, “Our primary focus remains on the spiritual, academic, and social development of our students and athletes. While this announcement was unexpected, we will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.”
Acosta’s coaching career spans both high school and collegiate levels. Before joining St. John Vianney, he led IMG Academy in Florida to a national championship in 2020. His extensive resume includes coaching roles at institutions like Rowan University, Delaware, The College of New Jersey, Syracuse, Cornell, Bucknell, St. Scholastica, and Arkansas–Pine Bluff.
The frequent changes in coaching at St. John Vianney reflect broader challenges in high school football, especially with the rise of player transfers. In a December 2024 interview, Acosta commented, “High school football is becoming more like a business. We just finished the season, and I already feel like I’m recruiting my own players to stay.”
As the school begins its search for a new head coach, the priority will be to ensure stability and support for its football program. The Lancers are set to compete in the Shore Conference Class B North in the upcoming season, facing strong opponents such as Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan, and Wall.
A head coach stepping down after just one season is a significant development for any high school football program. St. John Vianney’s administration and athletic department now face the challenge of finding a successor who can build on the team’s recent achievements and provide consistent leadership. The effects of Acosta’s resignation on player retention and recruitment will be closely observed as preparations for the new season begin.
In the interim, school leaders are expected to work closely with players, parents, and the community to ensure a smooth transition. Maintaining the progress achieved under Acosta’s guidance will be critical to the program’s ongoing success. The search for a new head coach will likely prioritize candidates who align with the school’s values and are committed to fostering the overall development of student-athletes.
As this period of transition unfolds, all eyes will be on how the program navigates these changes and prepares for a promising future in St. John Vianney football.
