Whoever ends up filling George Najjar's shoes as head football coach at Sayreville War Memorial High School won't be in for a pleasant ride, at least for the first several months. There's not only the pressure to continue the streak of successful seasons, but also the duty of distancing the program from its black eye caused by the recent sexual hazing scandal.

 

Sayreville War Memorial High School ticket booth
Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ
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The town has been without high school football since October when the disturbing allegations came to light. The program was reinstated for next season, but a new team leader could be exactly what's needed to help the community fully rebound from the mess. At the same time, his every move may be under the microscope, more than any other head coach at the high school level.

"I think you're definitely going to need the right guy in there to take the job because they're going to be looked at with scrutiny from this point forward," said Andy Sliwoski, former assistant football coach at Manalapan High School.

Sliwoski said Sayreville head coach is a highly sought-after position, but applicants should be aware there's plenty of baggage that comes with it.

The search for a new coach started Thursday morning when Najjar's job was posted on the school district web site.

"I think that this could be viewed as a stressful time for whatever coach comes in," said Dr. David Pilchman, a sports psychologist in Springfield. "But I prefer to view it as a really special opportunity."

He said it'll be up to the new coach to prove to players, parents and the community that equally as important as winning is a commitment to excellence and the values of self-respect and discipline.

"There are tremendous lessons to be learned," Pilchman said. "Eyes will be on him, but it's an opportunity for this coach to teach his young people what's important, where we're going and how we get there together."

Seven football players were charged in connection with alleged inappropriate hazing tactics, including sexual assault, over a 10-day period in September.

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