With the departure of former offensive coordinator, Coach Tony Cotton, Coach Mark Mejia will be stepping in for the upcoming football season with a view to leading the team to success.
The Brophy football program is turning the page on offense and making a transition. The returning varsity players will be forced to adjust and must quickly learn a fresh offensive system under the new leadership.
Looking back at his tenure, Mr. Cotton pointed to the team’s approach at the line of scrimmage as the foundation of his scheme.
“To be able to win meaningful football games…you have to be able to run the football,” said Mr. Cotton. “Ensuring that we dominate the line of scrimmage with an attitude and a demeanor.”
With Cotton departing, the responsibility of the Brophy offense now shifts to Mejia, who will take over the play-calling duties and bring a new approach to the sidelines.
Mejia said, “The goal is to evolve, not overhaul—keeping what works, enhancing it with our approach, and ultimately maximizing our ability to be explosive and efficient. Our approach will always start with our players. We’re going to evaluate our personnel thoroughly and build our system around their strengths rather than forcing them into a rigid scheme.”
For the returning roster, that player-first mindset is already making a difference.
“My first impression of him was that he was an intelligent coach and I expect him to bring wisdom to our offense,” returning wide receiver Ezra Benjamin ’28 said. “I think the core identity of this Brophy offense that we want to keep alive is our explosive plays and strength in being able to pass or run the ball. We can do it all.”
Adapting to the new coordinator will require great focus from the players, but Mr. Cotton is confident in the roster’s ability to work well in Mejia’s system.
Mr. Cotton said, “Coach Mejia’s a great coach…I don’t foresee that the offense goes backwards…You need to come in, you need to be prepared, show up with a notebook, ask questions, and be detailed in your approach.”
Even as the program shifts its focus toward the future, the deep loyalty between Mr. Cotton and his offensive roster remains unchanged and enduring.
As a final message to his team, Mr. Cotton said, “I just want you guys to know that I’m proud of you. I love you. And remember, man, every time we touch the football, we score touchdowns.”
With a strong foundation left behind and a new vision taking root, the result of this transition will reveal itself under the Friday night lights this fall.
Benjamin said, “My personal mindset heading into the offseason hasn’t been affected. I’m glad to be working with Coach Mejia, and I’m ready for a big season this year.”
