Valley Christian (Calif.) Hires Dante Perez as New Head Football Coach

Perez, a Valley Christian alumnus, takes over the program after longtime coach Mike Machado's retirement.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Valley Christian High School in San Jose, California has announced the hiring of Dante Perez, a 2006 graduate of the school, as their new head football coach. Perez replaces Mike Machado, who led the Warriors' football program for 29 seasons and won over 250 games, including multiple league and section championships.

Why it matters

The hiring of an alumnus like Dante Perez signals Valley Christian's commitment to its community and values. As a graduate, Perez understands the school's mission and is invested in continuing the program's success on the field while also developing student-athletes holistically.

The details

Perez, who played football at Valley Christian during his time as a student, said it is a "dream come true" to return as the head coach. He emphasized his passion for the school's mission of "equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world." Under Machado's leadership, the Warriors won over 250 games and multiple championships, though the team struggled to a 3-7 record this past season.

  • Valley Christian announced Perez as their new head coach on February 5, 2026.
  • Perez is taking over the program after longtime head coach Mike Machado's retirement.

The players

Dante Perez

A 2006 graduate of Valley Christian High School who has been hired as the new head football coach, replacing longtime coach Mike Machado.

Mike Machado

The former head football coach at Valley Christian High School, who led the program for 29 seasons and won over 250 games, including multiple league and section championships.

Valley Christian High School

A private, Christian high school located in San Jose, California that is known for its academic excellence, spiritual development, and robust athletics program.

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What they’re saying

“It is a dream come true to have the opportunity to return to the Valley Christian campus as the leader of the Warrior football program. My time on the Skyway campus was deeply formative in my life. I believe that football programs thrive when united around a common purpose, and I am passionate about the mission of Valley Christian Schools to equip students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world. As a graduate of Valley Christian and someone raised in San Jose, I am deeply invested in this community.”

— Dante Perez (Valley Christian High School Press Release)

What’s next

Perez will begin his tenure as the new head football coach at Valley Christian High School in the 2026 season, as he looks to build upon the program's rich history and continue developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

The takeaway

The hiring of Dante Perez, a Valley Christian alumnus, as the new head football coach demonstrates the school's commitment to its community and values. Perez's deep connection to the school and passion for its mission will be crucial as he looks to guide the Warriors' football program to future success.