Former alum and NFL player joins West Hills staff as assistant coach

“What I hope to bring to the team is not only tough, hard-nosed and solid efforts when it comes to the coaching aspect, but mentorship when it comes to everyday life and helping these gentlemen reach their goals by first earning their degrees and continuing on at a four year institution,” Wright said. “I want them to succeed academically and athletically.”

Wright began his college football career at WHCC in 2002, where he was named Most Valuable Offensive Player. He went on to play with the Fresno State Bulldogs after graduating and there became only the 12th player in the program’s history to gain more than 1,000 rushing yards.

He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2007 and also played for the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers during his NFL career.

He played for the Toronto Argonauts from 2010 to 2011 and for the Hartford Colonials in 2011 in the Canadian Football League and United Football League, respectively.

Head Coach Cam Olson said the decision to hire Wright for the position was an easy one.

“It was a no-brainer for me to hire Coach Wright,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for these kids to be around a high-character and hardworking guy, a guy who is a West Hills Falcon Alum with significant professional playing experience. Coach Wright will bring a great deal of energy and experience to the RB position along with passion in the strength and conditioning realm.”

Wright has previously served as a running backs and special teams coach at several San Diego area high schools, including Morse High School, Lincoln High School and University City High.

He applied for the coaching position after guest speaking at a recent Falcons event, a ring ceremony for the 2014 team.

“Right then I saw the drive in the eyes of the players and coaches and that's when I felt in my heart ‘This is where I started,’” he said. “Just three days after that I saw the assistant coach position available and I immediately contacted Coach Mark Gritton about it.”

Wright will officially start in the new position on Aug. 1.