Tony Mottola, head coach of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School football team, who led the program to two league championships, two Island Cups, and a winning record over the past four seasons, is stepping away from the Island program.
Mottola is leaving to be head coach at Bonita Springs High School in Southwest Florida. Longtime Assistant Coach Zeke Vought is slated to take over the program as head coach this fall.
Mottola released a statement on Wednesday, reflecting on his tenure at the program. “We accomplished so much in four years … when I was brought here four years ago, it was with the purpose of resurrecting this program and rebuilding community involvement,” said Mottola. “Walking off the ferry after the win at Nantucket was truly a highlight of my coaching career.”
“Even with our hands tied at times, we achieved more than many thought possible. I am incredibly proud of what we built together,” he added.
Mottola was named head coach in 2022. Before coming to the Island, he coached at Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, N.J., for 13 years, and even had experience with professional leagues like the NFL and XFL.
Mottola said football is his passion, and while he believes the Vineyard program has made tremendous progress, he also felt limited in some endeavors to further grow the program.
“A lack of resources and commitment has made the job more challenging than it should be,” said Mottola. “But it never has diminished my effort, or belief in what this program has become.”
MVRHS Athletic Director Mark McCarthy said that the football team was fully funded. He recalled purchasing items consistently, such as Guardian Caps, soft-shell helmet covers designed for impact reduction. McCarthy also emphasised that the Island’s Touchdown Club, which supports the football and cheerleading programs, would provide equipment such as travel bags to the team. “The difficulty is not knowing what he is referring to,” said McCarthy. “It’s an open-ended statement. Was it money, coaching staff, or whatever the resources were? Because we fully fund the football program — so I am not sure what part of the resources he is referring to.”
Mottola thanked the Martha’s Vineyard community for their support throughout his coaching career on-Island. “I will always be grateful for the players, families, and community members who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life,” he said.