Heritage football assistant Tello hired as Paloma head coach

Assistant coach and defensive coordinator Tom Tello, who played a big part in building the successful Heritage High School football program, was hired today as the new head coach at crosstown rival Paloma Valley.

Tello was offered the job by Jennifer Thomasian, who is being promoted from assistant principal to principal at Paloma Valley for next year. He met with the Wildcat players for the first time this afternoon, as the first week of spring workouts continues.

Tello replaces Bert Esposito, who was relieved of his duties last month after leading the Wildcat football program for 13 years, compiling an 87-59 record. Esposito remains a teacher at Paloma Valley.

"Paloma Valley has always been a good program," said Tello. "I'm looking at it as a place where I can come in and help them build off what they've done. My philosophy is simple: Go out there, work hard, do the right thing and have fun.

"I'm excited to be there. Paloma is a great school. I can't wait to get started."

Tello has proven himself as a sound football mind and great communicator with students during his time at Heritage. He has worked alongside head coach Kraig Broach since the school opened in 2007. The Patriots have compiled an 83-9 record over the last season years, including three trips to the CIF championship game and one CIF title. They have never lost a Sunbelt League game, compiling a 35-0 record.

Now Tello will be asked to help the Wildcats end the Patriots' domination of the league. Paloma Valley has had winning seasons in recent years and was 9-0 last season before losing to Heritage 35-13 in the "Menifee Bowl" rivalry game and losing again in the first round of the CIF playoffs.

Grant Bennett, superintendent of the Perris Union High School District, said the job opening was "flown" first to candidates within the district. Of those who applied, two were interviewed before Thomasian made the decision to hire Tello.

"Our goal is to move Paloma Valley forward across the board, in everything," Thomasian said. "I appreciate the way coach Tello approaches the job, the way he looks at the big picture and understands what needs to be done.

"I believe he's the right person for the job, on and off the field. I like how he talks about connecting with the campus and the community, creating the right culture. He has the skill set we need."

Tello will begin coaching the Wildcats immediately in spring workouts, but he will remain a science teacher at Heritage until the end of the school year, when he will transfer to Paloma Valley and teach science there as well.

"Part of my motivation was to become a head coach, and at the right place," Tello said. "I wouldn't leave Heritage for just any job. This is a great opportunity."

Tello specialized in defense as a player at Ayala High School in Chino Hills. He began his coaching career at Glendora High School, working there three years before moving his family east and taking a job at Heritage when the school opened.

Broach said that Paloma Valley made the right choice in Tello.

"I kind of knew it was coming," Broach said. "Overall, I'm just very excited for him. It's something without a doubt he deserves. He's the right one for Paloma Valley.

"Tommy is a great educator. What they're getting is an excellent teacher on campus who brings positive energy. It has to do with how he carried himself at Heritage. He's not just a football coach; he's a great man and a leader."

Broach admitted it will be a different feeling when Tello stands across the field from him in the 2017 Menifee Bowl game between the city rivals.

"Obviously, it will be a little different," Broach said. "We've been together for a decade, so I'm sure it will feel a little different, but that's a friend over there. I want all the success in the world for him."

Tello was asked the same question: What will it feel like, coaching against Broach for the first time?

"Right now, I'm just trying to get through tomorrow," he said.