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Visalia Today
By the People, for the People
New Coach Jesse Lira Aims to Revive El Diamante Football
Lira takes over struggling high school program in Visalia, California.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:13pm
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Jesse Lira was recently named the new head football coach for El Diamante High School in Visalia, California, with the goal of reviving the struggling program. Lira faces the challenge of turning around a team that has had limited success in recent years.
Why it matters
High school football is a point of pride in many California communities, and Visalia is no exception. El Diamante's football program has fallen on hard times, and the community is eager to see the team return to its former glory under new leadership.
The details
Lira was officially announced as the new head coach on March 23. He inherits a program that has struggled to win games and maintain consistent success. Lira's focus will be on instilling discipline and teaching his players to make the right decisions both on and off the field.
- Jesse Lira was officially announced as the new head coach on March 23, 2026.
- The Tulare/Visalia Pro-PT Baseball Invitational game featuring Mt. Whitney's Jaxon Franks took place on March 30, 2026.
The players
Jesse Lira
The new head football coach for El Diamante High School in Visalia, California, tasked with reviving the struggling program.
Jaxon Franks
A player for Mt. Whitney High School who hit a two-run double in a Tulare/Visalia Pro-PT Baseball Invitational game on March 30, 2026.
What they’re saying
“It's going to take teaching our guys to do the right things,”
— Jesse Lira, Head Coach, El Diamante High School
The takeaway
Reviving a struggling high school football program requires a multifaceted approach, including instilling discipline, teaching players to make good decisions, and building a strong team culture. Coach Lira faces a significant challenge, but his commitment to doing things the right way could pay dividends for the El Diamante program and the Visalia community.
