Robert Valdez

Bio

**Robert Valdez**
Head Football Coach | St. Augustine High School

Robert Valdez is in his second year as the Head Football Coach at St. Augustine High School, bringing with him over a decade of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. Before joining St. Augustine, Coach Valdez served as the Head Coach at St. James High School from 2016 to 2021, where he became a highly respected figure in Louisiana high school football.

During his tenure at St. James, Coach Valdez led the team to a historic 15-0 season and a Class 3A State Championship in 2015, marking the school's first state title in 40 years. His exceptional leadership earned him the Don Shula NFL Coach of the Year award, along with being a three-time New Orleans Saints Coach of the Week and a finalist for Coach of the Year in 2012.

Following his successful run at St. James, Coach Valdez transitioned to Grambling State University, where he contributed to the Tigers' football program. His time coaching at the collegiate level provided him with invaluable experience and a broader understanding of the game, which he brought back to high school football upon returning to St. Augustine.

Throughout his career, Valdez has compiled a 126-58 overall record, with coaching stints at East St. John High School, McKinley High School, West St. John High School, Scotlandville High School, and St. James. He has been instrumental in developing players who have earned scholarships to top universities across the country, including Washington State, Stanford, Yale, and several HBCUs like Grambling State, Prairie View A&M, and Southern University.

Coach Valdez is passionate about mentoring young coaches and athletes. He is the co-founder and Vice President of the Minority Coaches Network, an organization that provides resources and opportunities for young minority coaches and student-athletes. He also served as the Vice President of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association, where he worked to promote the growth and improvement of high school football in the state.

Valdez began his football career at O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans, and he was a standout four-year letterman at Southern University, where he was part of the 1993 and 1995 Black College Football National Championship teams. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Southern University and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Nicholls State University.

Coach Valdez is married to Leah Thomas Valdez, and they have two daughters, Lorynn and Raina. His dedication to his players, both on and off the field, has made him a respected leader and a valuable figure in the football community.