I couldn't say no. Fontes' arrival is a bit of a homecoming for him and his wife, Therese. Fontes, whose older brother and former Detroit Lions coach Wayne lives in Tarpon Springs, first met Therese when he was in Tampa on a recruiting trip for Oregon State in the late 70s. He later served as defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Storm in 1991, the year the Arena Football team won its first title. Ironically, Bob Gries, who Gaither hired as coach two weeks ago, was the owner of the team at the time.
Fontes has a long, winding coaching history.
Fontes returned to coach at Northwestern, Miami, LSU, the Storm, Central Florida and the Sacramento Surge of the World League before coaching for the Lions from 1992-96 and the Vikings in 2000. That resume made Fontes stand out from a crowded field, Alonso athletic director Louis Diaz said. He's an interesting guy, and I think he understands the task he is facing this year. We are very pleased with John Fontes coming to Alonso. Don't expect former Plant coach Pat Russo to resurface at Blake, athletic director Frank Oliver said.