Breaking News: St John Paul II Academy has found their new Head Football Coach- Gad Jacobs.
Coach Jacobs has served as the Defensive Coordinator at Saint Andrews for the last four seasons, leading one of South Florida’s most consistent defensive fronts. During the 2025 regular season, the Scots’ went 9-1, with their defense allowing just 9.6 Points Per Game, including 5 single digit showings.
When asked about his decision to take the reins of St. John Paul- Coach Gad had this to say:
“The last 4 seasons I had an opportunity to see what it takes to build, sustain and improve a program. As J-Robs right hand man, I saw all the effort to always put the kids first and we proved that you don’t always have to have a bunch of big name kids to have a respected, winning program. It takes great leadership, hard work, discipline, and commitment.” Coach Jacobs stated. “Not everyone can say that they had an opportunity to be mentored by a Lou Groza and NewEraPrep Coach Of the Year. St John Paul has so many great things on the horizon and I really could sense the support and excitement for the future. During the interview process, the plans were laid out and soon we will have one of the best facilities in the county. Both the student body and staff want and deserve to have a program that wins on the field and also sets the tone and standard for other athletic programs on campus. I have a passion for helping guide young athletes towards their dreams, and I’m beyond excited to do that at Saint John Paul. “
By the Numbers
Coach Gad Jacobs’ resume is certainly one of the more highly decorated in the area. In four years as the defensive coordinator at St Andrews, Coach Gad’s defenses earned the following accolades:
32-14 Record
4x FHSAA Playoff Berth
3x District Championship
18 First Team All County Selections
Over the years- Coach Gad Jacobs has evolved from being a coordinator into serving as the heart and soul of a program. Coach Jacobs’ selfless attitude and servants heart has set a standard of leadership that players across Palm Beach County can learn. Coach Gad Jacobs confirmed to NewEraPrep that with venture to St. John Paul, he will serve as both the Eagles’ Head Coach and the Dean of Students allowing the opportunity to cultivate relationships with the student body on and off the gridiron.
As for St John Paul, despite a FHSAA 1A State Playoff appearance- the Eagles are coming off an abysmal 3-6 campaign in 2025. The introduction of Coach Gad Jacobs provides both stability and an identity of excellence that the program has lacked for multiple coaching regimes.
This isn’t Coach Jacobs’ first time at the helm of a program, as he was the Head football Coach at Village Academy from 2018-20. When asked to reflect on his previous stint as a Head Coach, Coach Gad had this to say:
“It’s a much different situation than my last one and a completely different landscape in high school football. I’m sure there will be some challenges and bumps a long the way. But that’s life. I am looking forward to the lessons learned along the way to success. We will be a team that is disciplined, a team that plays with passion, and a team that holds each other accountable on and off the field because we are a family . And that’s what good families do. It’s a New era.”
