Former North Andover Coach Takes Central Catholic Football Job

John Dubzinski, a veteran high school football coach, will lead the Raiders program after stepping down from North Andover in 2024.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:22pm

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John Dubzinski, who stepped down as North Andover High's head football coach in 2024 due to family issues, has been named the new head coach of the Central Catholic High School football team. Dubzinski, who comes from a legendary coaching family, led North Andover to a state title in 2018 and two more North Finals trips. He now takes over a storied Central Catholic program and is focused on building relationships with the players and establishing a positive team culture.

Why it matters

Central Catholic has a long and successful football history, having produced numerous college and professional players over the years. Dubzinski's hiring represents a major move for the program as they look to continue their winning ways under new leadership. His coaching pedigree and past success make him an ideal fit to lead the Raiders.

The details

Dubzinski, who will continue teaching at North Andover High while coaching at Central Catholic, said the job was a 'no-brainer' for him. He faced Central Catholic twice as North Andover's head coach, earning a win in 2018 and a loss in 2019. Dubzinski comes from a legendary coaching family, with his father, grandfather, and uncle all being inducted into the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He is focused on building relationships with the players, establishing a positive team culture, and developing the student-athletes both on and off the field.

  • Dubzinski stepped down as North Andover's head coach following the 2024 season.
  • Dubzinski was officially named Central Catholic's new head football coach on Friday.

The players

John Dubzinski

The new head football coach at Central Catholic High School, who previously served as the head coach at North Andover High School from 2018 to 2024.

John Dubzinski Sr.

Dubzinski's father, who is a member of the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and won 181 games as the head coach at Leominster High School.

Walter Dubzinski Sr. and Walter Dubzinski Jr.

Dubzinski's late grandfather and uncle, who are also members of the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Zach Blaszak

The athletic director at Central Catholic High School, who praised Dubzinski's coaching resume, energy, and focus on developing student-athletes.

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What they’re saying

“When the Central Catholic job opened up, it was a no-brainer. If you're a coach, you want to compete at the highest competitive level possible. Central Catholic is the place. When this job came up, knew I had to go for it.”

— John Dubzinski, New Central Catholic Head Football Coach

“John's coaching resume speaks for itself. But his energy, attitude and his focus on culture and development of student-athletes into successful young men are also exceptional. He's an educator who understands today's high school student-athletes, and comes from a great family with an amazing coaching and education background.”

— Zach Blaszak, Central Catholic Athletic Director

What’s next

Dubzinski will now focus on building his coaching staff and establishing relationships with the Central Catholic players as he prepares for the upcoming football season.

The takeaway

Dubzinski's hiring represents a major coup for Central Catholic as they bring in an experienced and successful high school football coach with deep ties to the local coaching community. His focus on developing student-athletes and building a positive team culture aligns well with Central Catholic's mission, and he will look to continue the program's winning tradition.