The Cabrillo College Athletic Department on Thursday announced that Anthony Romero will be the interim head football coach for the upcoming 2026 fall season.
Romero is stepping in after head coach Justin Hansen took a formal family medical leave of absence earlier in February.
Cabrillo Director of Athletics Mark Ramsey said in a press release that “[Romero] possesses an intimate understanding of the requirements of a premier community college program, and brings an incredible amount of energy and motivation to the role during Coach Hansen’s leave of absence.”
Romero has served as Hansen’s right-hand man for the past four years, and spent four years at Hartnell College as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach.
Romero, a former Alisal High and Hartnell football standout, began his coaching career as an assistant in 2017 at Alvarez High.
“I feel like I’m more than ready,” he said. “Within those nine years of junior college football, between those two programs, it’s helped me a lot. I’m pretty ready to take this on and help Cabrillo in this time of transition, so to speak.”
Romero said he’s anticipating some bumps in the road, but the confidence level is at an all-time high as they head into spring ball soon.
Ismanjah (Smo) Soekardi was promoted to assistant head football coach. He’s been part of Cabrillo’s coaching staff for more than 20 years.
“[Soekardi’s] passion for this program is unmatched, and his deep ties to the local high school community make him an invaluable asset to our recruiting and community outreach efforts,” Ramsey said.
Cabrillo’s coaching staff also includes offensive coaches Steve Warren and Travis Rebbert as they take on expanded roles to lead their offensive strategy.
On defense, Ray Myers and Derek Cahill will be a steady reliable presence, while volunteer assistant coach John Stow will continue to provide support from the sidelines.
Ramsey said in the press release, “Their collective focus remains steadfast: ensuring student-athletes excel on the field, achieve successful matriculation to four-year universities, and develop the lifelong skills necessary for their future careers.”
Ramsey continued, “We are confident in this team’s ability to build the program’s momentum and lead our athletes to a successful season.”
Romero said the biggest goal moving forward is getting players up and running whether it’s playing at a top level, or being academically eligible to transfer to a four year university.
“Just keeping the culture of winning football, and building great young men,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day at this level.”
