Top Coach

Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among those who have taken notice.

Jesuit head coach Matt Thompson was honored Thursday (Sept. 17) at One Buc Place as the Bucs' "Coach of the Week."

Thompson earned the honor following Jesuit’s Week 2 win (Sept. 11) over Ocala Trinity Catholic by a score of 38-0. After that game, Bright House Sports Network nominated four coaches as candidates for the Bucs' "Coach of the Week," and Thompson was chosen the winner in online voting last week.

Thursday at One Buc, Thompson was presented with a $1,000 check for the Jesuit football program and a special commemorative football. He was interviewed for a segment on the Buccaneers’ website, toured the magnificent facility, watched the end of the team's morning practice, and spent some time with Tampa Bay head coach Lovie Smith, who was aware that Jesuit had shut out two of its first three opponents and spoke with Thompson about the Tiger defense.

Four Jesuit assistant coaches accompanied Thompson on Thursday: Joe Gerena, Kyle Jones, Brian McNulty ’95, and Bubba Steinestel.

Jesuit plays its first District game of the season Friday night (Sept. 18) at 7:30pm at Jefferson.

See below a photo slideshow from Thursday’s visit to One Buc Place.