Joe Gallagher Retires After Nearly 30 Years Coaching High School Football

By

Joe Gallagher, Haverford High School football coach, is retiring after 29 years
Image via papreplive.com.

Joe Gallagher has put 29 years into high school football.  He’s the third longest-tenured coach in Delaware County.

But on Thursday, he announced his retirement, writes Terry Toohey for papreplive.com.

Even with a bad left hip, left knee, and back, Gallagher had planned to return for his 30th season as head coach at Haverford High School.

Then COVID-19 hit.

Planned surgeries were delayed. He’s only now just having the procedures done.

Gallagher decided it was time to stop.

 “I swore I would not spend another season where I was grabbing a stool to get off my feet.”

Gallagher made the decision on a long drive to see his older brother, Frank, who played in the NFL for seven seasons.

“I came to the realization that, you know what, it might not be a bad time to call it a day. It might be the right time. I’ll be 66 in September. I’ve had a good run, 29 years. It’s been a great experience.”

Gallagher coached two seasons at St. James High, five at Cardinal O’Hara, two at Conestoga and two at Williamson Trade School before becoming head coach at Haverford in 1992.

Read more at papreplive.com about Joe Gallagher’s retirement.

Join Our Community

Never miss a Delaware County story!

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
DT Yes
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Advertisement