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Three New Jersey High School Football Stars Coaching in Super Bowl LX
Coaches Justin Hinds, Chris Partridge, and Vinny DePalma all played prep football in the Garden State before making it to the NFL.
Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:47am
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When Super Bowl LX kicks off on Sunday, three assistant coaches who played high school football in New Jersey will be on the sidelines - Seattle's Justin Hinds and Chris Partridge, and New England's Vinny DePalma. Hinds was a standout defensive lineman for Woodbridge High, Partridge helped lead Paramus Catholic to a state title, and DePalma was a dominant linebacker and fullback for DePaul Catholic.
Why it matters
The presence of these three New Jersey high school football standouts coaching in the Super Bowl highlights the rich football tradition in the Garden State, which has produced countless elite players and coaches over the years. It also demonstrates how the skills and lessons learned at the high school level can translate to success at the highest levels of the sport.
The details
Justin Hinds played defensive line for Woodbridge High, where he was a team captain and all-conference performer. Chris Partridge was a linebacker for Paramus Catholic, helping the team win a state championship in 1997. Vinny DePalma was a dominant two-way player for DePaul Catholic, leading the state in tackles as a junior and winning a state title as a senior.
- Super Bowl LX will be played on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
- Hinds, Partridge, and DePalma all played high school football in New Jersey in the early to mid-2000s.
The players
Justin Hinds
Seattle Seahawks defensive line coach who played high school football at Woodbridge High School in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
Chris Partridge
Seattle Seahawks outside linebackers coach who played high school football at Paramus Catholic in North Jersey, helping the team win a state championship in 1997.
Vinny DePalma
New England Patriots defensive assistant who was a standout linebacker and fullback for DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, New Jersey, leading the state in tackles as a junior and winning a state title as a senior.
What they’re saying
“It's incredible to see three coaches who played high school football in New Jersey coaching in the Super Bowl. That just shows the talent and coaching that comes out of the Garden State.”
— John Beisser, Sports Illustrated reporter (si.com)
What’s next
The three coaches will look to lead their teams to victory in Super Bowl LX on Sunday.
The takeaway
The presence of these three New Jersey high school football standouts coaching in the Super Bowl is a testament to the state's rich football tradition and its ability to develop elite talent at all levels of the sport.
