BGA Names Jonas Rodriguez as Head Football Coach

New BGA Football Coach

Battle Ground Academy has named Jonas Rodriguez as its head football coach. He joins BGA after serving in the same capacity for Evangelical Christian School (ECS) for the past two years.

“From the very beginning of our search, Jonas emerged as our top choice to take the reins of our football program,” said Will Kesler, BGA Head of School. “With a wealth of independent school experience and a track record of success at every level of his coaching tenure, we are confident he can build on the tradition of success we have enjoyed at BGA for many years. Jonas is a great fit for our community and culture, and we are delighted to have secured someone of his caliber and character to lead our team and coaches.”

At ECS, he led a rebuilding effort that resulted in his team reaching the Division II-AA playoffs in both 2017 and 2018. He was named the 2018 Division II-AA West Region Coach of the Year. He also served as Athletic Director at ECS.

“It is truly an honor and a blessing to be named the head football coach at Battle Ground Academy. BGA is a tradition rich school focused on excellence in academics, arts, athletics, and character development,” said Rodriguez. “In addition, my family and I are excited to integrate into and invest in the tremendous community which exists at BGA. Moreover, we are thankful for this opportunity afforded by Head of School, Will Kesler, Athletic Director, Fred Eaves, and the BGA Board of Trustees. Needless to say, it is an incredible time to join the BGA family and we look forward to positively impacting the BGA community.”

Rodriguez has 15 years of overall football coaching experience. Prior to ECS, he served as associate head football coach at Ensworth School, where he was part of multiple state championship teams. Previously, he coached multiple sports at Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) and Franklin Road Academy after a playing career at MBA and Yale University.

“Jonas has done a fantastic job leading the football program at ECS and he has been successful as both a head and an assistant coach in Division II,” said BGA Athletic Director Fred Eaves. “His vision for the program aligns with BGA’s mission, vision, and values. We are very excited to welcome Jonas and his family to BGA.”

In addition to his duties as head football coach, Rodriguez will work with BGA Upper School students and be part of the school’s Advancement Office. He and his wife, Crockett, have four children, Richard (9), Eleanor (8), Hale (6) and Jack (4).

Established in 1889, Battle Ground Academy is a co-educational, college preparatory school for grades kindergarten through 12th grade. More information on the school can be found at www.battlegroundacademy.org.