Mark Songy, who previously served as the Blue Jays’ head coach for five seasons in the 1990s, was named head coach of Jesuit High School’s football program for the upcoming season.

The announcement of Songy’s hire was made by Jesuit athletic director Dave Moreau and comes 48 hours after the school’s former coach, Wayde Keiser, announced his retirement. In moving swiftly to find the right person to take control of the top leadership post of Jesuit’s storied football program, the school turned to the familiar and respected Songy, who officially begins his duties and responsibilities on Monday, July 21.

Mark Songy had this to say about being named Jesuit’s head football coach: “I am extremely proud and excited to have yet another opportunity to return to Carrollton and Banks and to teach and coach at such a fine school. Jesuit High School has been an important place for me throughout my career as an educator and coach, and I look forward to working with everyone connected to Blue Jay football.”

“Mark Songy is an experienced coach who fully understands the wide array of duties and responsibilities pertaining to such an important position,” said Moreau, adding that it was paramount for Jesuit to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for the benefit of everyone involved. “Most importantly, Coach Songy understands the various facets, traditions, and nuances of the Jesuit community as well as the Ignatian values that the school espouses. In short, he fully embraces Jesuit’s educational model of athletics.”

This marks Songy’s third stint as a football coach for the Blue Jays. He initially was an assistant coach at Jesuit for two seasons (1990-1991) before taking the reins as head coach for the next five seasons (1992-1996). Under Songy’s head coaching tutelage, the Blue Jays compiled a 35-27 won-loss record (.564) and four of his five teams made it to the state playoffs.

“I am extremely proud and excited to have yet another opportunity to return to Carrollton and Banks and to teach and coach at such a fine school,” said Songy, who also will be in the classroom teaching health and P.E. courses. “Jesuit High School has been an important place for me throughout my career as an educator and coach, and I look forward to working with everyone connected to Blue Jay football.”

Songy also served as head football coach (1997-2001) at Brother Martin High School, his alma mater (Class of 1982). He returned to Jesuit as an assistant coach, once again in charge of the offensive line, for the 2002 and 2003 seasons.

In 2004, Songy’s career took him down a different road — as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical manufacturer. During the past several seasons, Songy has served as an analyst and commentator for Jesuit football games that were broadcast on television and radio.

Songy’s coaching and teaching career started at Brother Martin, where he was an assistant football coach (1982-85) and head soccer coach (1983-85). He also was an assistant football coach at Archbishop Shaw High School (1988-89).

Songy has a B.A. in liberal arts from LSU. He is married to Jolene Ferro Songy and the couple have three daughters. The family resides in Metairie.

Read More…

Nola.com: Mark Songy ‘thrilled’ to coach again at Jesuit, doesn’t want to change coaching staff

N.O. Advocate: Jesuit brings back Mark Songy as football coach

NOLACatholicLeague.com: Songy back for second stint at Jesuit (with video)