The Cougars’ line coach runs with the linemen, whom he lovingly calls the hogs and dogs, to the middle of the field for full-team drills.
He isn’t shy. When a player misses a blocking technique, Dias will point out why it didn’t work.
 Half Moon Bay line coach Don Dias demonstrates a blocking technique to tight end Carrick Meyers. |
“No one walks on the field,” he says.
At the linemen practice, Dias either reviews what was already taught or introduces a new technique or blocking scheme.
He blows his whistle when it’s time to work on a new skill. He blows it again, gives a quick pointer, then goes to watch another group.
His enthusiasm is contagious.
When one of his lineman grasps a technique. Dias goes from a man of 60, eager to teach, to a child of 8, excited that he just received the perfect gift.
“I may grow old, but I refuse to grow up,” Dias said.
Dias was just as youthful when current head football coach Matt Ballard played for the Cougars in the early 1990s.
“His enthusiasm is genuine,” Ballard said. “He really loves the kids.”
The Cougars make their 2008 debut at 6 p.m., Friday, hosting Prospect.
Dias started coaching on the Coastside in 1977, with a Pop Warner team. Six years later, he was coaching at Half Moon Bay, and stayed there until the conclusion of the 1997 season.
A difference in coaching philosophy with then-head coach Mike Herrick forced Dias to leave the team.
“It wasn’t fun that year,” Dias said.
He wasn’t out of the game that long, as he got an offer to serve as the line coach at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco.
While there, the Crusaders had one of their best seasons, winning the 2000 West Catholic Athletic League title and qualifying for the Central Coast Section Division IV title game.
He stayed with the Crusaders until the 2003 season. Meanwhile Herrick was fired following the 1998 season. Barrett Krieger took over in 1999, and stayed until 2002 when he took over the coaching reigns at Mills.
Ballard, then the frosh-soph coach, was named the varsity coach. He brought most of his staff to the varsity, including offensive coordinator and longtime friend Keith Holden.
The staff all agreed they needed Dias. And so he was back with the Cougars for the 2004 season. Every lineman holds a special place in his heart for Dias.
“He’s one of my favorite coaches,” said guard Mat Freels. “The enthusiasm he brings is just amazing.”
Dias began coaching upon his return from Vietnam, while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
“A buddy asked me if I would help him coach a Pop Warner team,” Dias said. “I told him I never coached before.”
By the end of the season, he found his passion.
“He’s done so much,” said tackle Dominic Fama. “He knows the answers to all the questions.”
All the coaches attend coaching clinics to hear speakers and learn new techniques.
The most important item Dias learned had nothing to do with blocking technique. The lesson came from the late Bill Walsh.
“He said that the kids are out there not because you are a great coach,” Dias said. “They are out there because they want to play football. You are out there to teach them.”
Dias, a corporate controller by day, took that to heart.
“I love what I do,” Dias said. “I am so lucky to be where I am at, doing what I do.”
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