Some coaches spend years honing their craft as a positional coach before earning play-calling duties and eventually, becoming a head coach at the high school level.

Marlon Gardinera’s route is a little less traditional and a lot more direct.

Gardinera is the new head coach at Scripps Ranch High School (San Diego), after serving as the director of the local Pop Warner program.

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According to a press release from the school, Gardinera’s been heavily involved in the community and has led the Pop Warner program for the last six years.

It’s a trait that the school believes will help him achieve success as the school’s varsity head coach.

“His level of commitment, ability to connect with students, relationship with the community, football knowledge and passion for serving others are attributes that will contribute to the success of our football program,” the release said.

While many coaches get their start coaching the youth ranks, it’s extremely uncommon for a coach to make the jump directly from youth football to a varsity high school head coach position.

Gardinera will look to turn around a Scripps Ranch program that has not enjoyed a winning season since 2013.

Photo via Scripps Ranch Athletics