Remembering a Beloved Coach: De La Salle Mourns the Loss of Steve Jacoby
The community of Concord, California, is in shock following the sudden passing of Steve Jacoby, a beloved high school football coach at De La Salle. Jacoby, who served as the team’s defensive line coach, passed away just days after celebrating his 61st birthday.
Head coach Justin Alumbaugh entrusted the decision to play Friday night’s game to the players, allowing them to grieve and decide as a team. They ultimately chose to take the field, believing it was what their former coach would have wanted.
The loss of Steve Jacoby has left a deep sadness within the De La Salle community. He was a remarkable man who dedicated almost 20 years of his life to coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Coach Alumbaugh fondly remembers Jacoby as an authentic and caring individual. Beyond the football field, Jacoby was a mentor to the Spartans’ young men, consistently checking in on them and ensuring their well-being.
Former De La Salle player Cooper Flanagan reflects on Jacoby’s genuine concern for his players: “It wasn’t even really football… He would check on the kids every week, making sure I was in a good mental state, and he just cared about the people.”
To honor their beloved coach, the Spartan team held a moment of silence before Friday night’s game. Leo Lopez, De La Salle’s Vice President of Athletics, emphasizes that Jacoby’s impact extended beyond the sports department