head football coach
program builder
motivator + educator
Maranatha High School | Pasadena, CA
my story
I’m Eddie Ficklin Jr., a football coach, program builder, and educator committed to developing young men on and off the field. As the only son of my parents and the middle brother of six sisters, leadership and accountability were shaped early in my life.
Football became my purpose through playing in middle school, high school, and college, and that purpose has carried into more than 15 years of coaching and developing student-athletes. In my first head coaching role at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary HS, I helped lead the program to its first playoff appearance in years, developed All-League athletes, grew the roster to its largest size in program history, and built a more diverse, unified team culture rooted in discipline, belief, and opportunity.
Today, I serve as Head Football Coach at Maranatha High School, where I continue building a program centered on structure, accountability, development, and community. I believe football is a platform to challenge young men, build their confidence, and prepare them to lead long after their playing days are over.
program leadership
Building programs with clear standards, strong culture, and a shared commitment to excellence.
player development
Developing smarter, more confident athletes through fundamentals, preparation, and intentional coaching.
education & character
Using football as a platform to teach accountability, discipline, leadership, and preparation for life beyond the game.
Building structure while pursuing championships
leadership &
program impact
With over 15 years of coaching experience, I’ve learned that strong programs are built through more than talent. They require structure, consistency, relationships, and a standard that everyone is committed to upholding.
My approach to leadership centers on developing the whole athlete through fundamentals, football IQ, physical preparation, accountability, and an understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. The goal is to build competitive football teams while creating an environment where young men are challenged to grow, lead, and carry those lessons beyond the game.
THE IMPACT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
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HE KEEPS GRINDING AND CHANGING YOUNG MEN'S LIVES. HE SHOWS TRUE LEADERSHIP.
Colleague
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He's an amazing mentor. But an even better coach.
Football Player
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I never felt in the dark when he explained defense to me. He's a true expert and student of the game.
Colleague
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The energy he brings to the sport is different and that's what makes him one of the best.
Football Player