Navya Narayanan

Football head coach Edward Tonga poses inside the athletic director’s office today at Palo Alto High School after being named the program’s new head coach. According to Tonga, balancing athletes’ responsibilities beyond athletics limited preparation, making great involvement ahead of competition an important factor in improving results. “At the time [football season], a lot of the players were involved in other sports, involved in school and also work,” Tonga said. “On top of that, it’s time management. This year, if I am able to do a lot with them during the off-season and be more present, it will definitely help shape the football season.”

Viking footballers are looking forward to their upcoming season after the Palo Alto High School administration named linebacker assistant coach Edward Tonga as the new head coach at brunch today in the Peery Center.

Last season, the Vikings went 0-10 under former head coach David De Geronimo, as the program navigated additional challenges following the administrative leave of junior varsity coach Jason Fung.

In addition to coaching, Tonga serves as a Student and Family Engagement Specialist (SaFE) with the Palo Alto Unified School District, supporting students and families at Palo Alto High School and Greene Middle School through relationship-building and access to guidance.

According to Principal Brent Kline, Tonga brings a leadership style shaped by his work with students.

“Ed understands that success in football begins with character, accountability, and relationships,” Kline said. “He knows our students, our community and what it takes to build a program grounded in pride, discipline and long-term growth. His work as a SaFE specialist further reflects his commitment to being present, accessible and supportive of our students.”

In an interview with The Paly Voice on Friday afternoon, Tonga said that prior to taking the responsibilities of head coach, he has worked in several different assistant coach positions.

“When I first started here [Paly], I was the position linebacker coach and then in the second year here, I was the defensive coordinator,” Tonga said. “This past season, I stepped down as a DC to learn more of this new defensive system that I was involved in. So I did go back from a DC into a linebacker assistant role.”

According to Tonga, the foremost part of his new leadership will be building camaraderie among members.

“The one thing that I would like to bring to the table is forming somewhat of a brotherhood among the players and staff,” Tonga said. “Obviously, the staff will have to be the most important piece of it because I believe that everything starts from the top. So, the top is doing their job as showing a good example of what brotherhood is.”

Tonga said building trust and understanding beyond competition allows athletes to feel supported in all aspects of their lives.

“[It is important] being more connected with them [football players] further than the football field in between the lines, and also connecting with them on a personal level,” Tonga said. “Being able to help them if they ever have trouble and questions about school, homework, relationships.”

According to Tonga, strengthening the program is an especially relevant goal since doing so will help unite the campus community and set a positive tone for players overall.

“It’s very important that we do our very best to bring that level where everybody is somewhat proud of this school and that pride starts with football,” Tonga said. “It’s an American sport: Everybody, whether you’re a soccer player, you watch football, whether you’re a baseball player, you’re watching football.”

Tonga said honest communication and clear expectations are central to holding players accountable and moving the program forward.

“I will be as transparent as possible,” Tonga said. “With truth, there’s growth. If I sugarcoat it [losses], I won’t be helping them [the players] grow. I will definitely tell them what we need to get done and how soon it needs to be done before we carry on.”

According to Tonga, having long-term experience guiding the same group of athletes has made the upcoming season especially meaningful for him.

“The senior class that I’m going to coach, I was with them when I first got here at Paly,” Tonga said. “For instance, Adam Maldonado, Peter Born and Justin Fung were freshmen when I first took this job, and to see what they have turned into, going into their senior year, is why I am so excited about being a coach.”

According to defensive back and wide receiver Markel Rich, the change in leadership has been well-received by the football players.

“I can’t speak for everybody on the team, but people have been hoping for him [Tonga] to become head coach,” Rich said.

Rich said that he predicts an improvement of the football team under Tonga’s leadership, following a winless season this year.

“I believe that, next year, we [football team] will have some wins under our belt, which will be better than last year,” Rich said. “He [Tonga] gets along with everybody and builds up more hype for the games.”

The Vikings will open the 2026 season at home against Leigh High School on Aug. 28.