Jets legend Nick Mangold is back in action—but this time, he’s not snapping footballs. He’s coaching young players as the offensive line coach at Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey, just a short drive from where he became a household name in the NFL.
Mangold, who was a key player on the Jets’ offensive line after being picked in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history. A member of the Jets Hall of Fame and the Ring of Honor, he’s now bringing all that knowledge and experience to the high school football field.
“When I was in high school, I had amazing coaches who shaped my life, not just in football, but as a person,” Mangold said. “Now, I get to give back and help these kids during such an important phase of their lives.”
The idea of coaching came up when Mangold’s kids joined a flag football league run by Delbarton’s Head Football Coach, Brian Bowers. Bowers floated the idea of Mangold joining the coaching staff, but it was Mangold’s wife, Jennifer, who gave him the final nudge last winter.
“I was coaching my son’s basketball team, and I don’t even know much about basketball,” Mangold said with a laugh. “Jennifer looked at me and said, ‘You know football—why not do something you’ve always wanted to try?’”
Inspired by her encouragement, Mangold reached out to Bowers last spring and officially joined the team. Bowers, a seasoned coach with 21 years of experience, was thrilled to have Mangold onboard. “Nick’s an amazing coach and an even better person,” Bowers said. “He’s got no ego and connects so well with the kids. Plus, having his NFL background is a huge bonus.”
For Mangold, coaching high school players has been a refreshing change from the high-stakes, businesslike atmosphere of the NFL. “This feels like the last pure version of football,” he said. “These kids are playing for their school, for the love of the game, and that’s what makes it so special.”
The players at Delbarton are already feeling the impact of Mangold’s expertise. Senior left guard Lorenzo Petrucci described him as a “calming presence” with “infinite knowledge about the game.” Petrucci added, “His goal for us is perfection. We’re not there yet, but we’re definitely getting closer.”
Of course, transitioning from being a player to a coach hasn’t been without challenges. Mangold admits it’s strange to no longer have the direct control he had as a player. “When you’re on the field, you’re the one making things happen,” he explained. “Now, I have to trust the players to do it. It’s a wild adjustment, but I’m really enjoying it.”
As he starts this new chapter in his football journey, Mangold is turning the skills that made him a star in the NFL into a coaching philosophy that’s about more than just football. He’s not just teaching kids how to block or protect their quarterback—he’s also shaping them for life off the field.
