Legendary Coach Chuck Donohue Sr. Retires After 52 Seasons

The longtime Southern Regional High School head coach departs with a career record of 290-214-4.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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After more than 50 years on the sidelines, legendary New Jersey high school football coach Chuck Donohue Sr. has announced his retirement. Donohue spent the last 28 seasons as the head coach of Southern Regional High School, transforming the program into a Shore Conference powerhouse with 14 state playoff appearances and four division titles. He departs with a career record of 290-214-4, placing him third all-time in Shore Conference history for coaching wins.

Why it matters

Donohue's impact on high school football in New Jersey extends far beyond just wins and losses. He is believed to be the only coach in state history to lead four different programs to NJSIAA sectional finals, and he has served as a mentor to thousands of student-athletes over his five-decade career.

The details

During his tenure at Southern Regional, Donohue coached several players who went on to the NFL. His final season in 2025 was a memorable one, as the Rams started 7-0 for the first time in program history and captured the Class B South crown. Donohue's peers voted him the Class B South Coach of the Year as a fitting final accolade.

  • Donohue Sr. announced his retirement on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Donohue Sr. spent the last 28 seasons as the head coach of Southern Regional High School, arriving in Manahawkin in 1998.
  • Donohue Sr. is scheduled to serve as the head coach of the Ocean County All-Stars in this July's All-Shore Gridiron Classic.

The players

Chuck Donohue Sr.

A legendary New Jersey high school football coach who spent 52 seasons on the sidelines, the last 28 of which were as the head coach of Southern Regional High School.

Chuck Donohue Jr.

The son of Chuck Donohue Sr. and the current Athletic Director at Southern Regional High School.

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What they’re saying

“I think it was a decision that's been thought about for a while now. I'm really proud of him and really excited for him for the next chapter. I can't see him ever going away from the game of football, I'm sure he'll be around it no matter what. He's just going to take a step back and enjoy some other things in life that he hasn't been able to enjoy.”

— Chuck Donohue Jr., Southern Regional Athletic Director (Shore Sports Insider)

“I think he's been a father figure for thousands of kids. I'm just really proud to call him my dad.”

— Chuck Donohue Jr. (Shore Sports Insider)

What’s next

Donohue Sr. is scheduled to serve as the head coach of the Ocean County All-Stars in this July's All-Shore Gridiron Classic, providing fans one last chance to see the Hall of Famer on the sidelines.

The takeaway

Donohue Sr.'s retirement marks the end of an era in New Jersey high school football. His impact on the sport extends far beyond just wins and losses, as he has served as a mentor to thousands of student-athletes over his five-decade career. While he is stepping down from the daily grind at Southern Regional, Donohue Sr. isn't done with football just yet, as he will lead the Ocean County All-Stars in one final game this summer.