Following an extensive search, David Diaz-Infante has been named Bellarmine College Preparatory’s new head varsity football coach. The move comes after Jalal Beauchman’s March announcement that he was stepping down after three seasons coaching the Bells and leading the program to CCS and CIF NorCal championships this season. Coach Diaz-Infante is a 1982 Bellarmine graduate and a member of the first CCS championship football team in 1981 for the Bells. After serving as a team captain for the Bells, Diaz-Infante played for San Jose State from 1982-1987 where he again served as team captain for a Spartans team that finished top 20 in the nation his senior year. He took his leadership skills to the NFL and played for the San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Philadelphia Eagles, winning two Super Bowl championships with the Broncos. Following his playing career, Diaz-Infante was a broadcaster for ESPN and then served as a coach for the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Diaz-Infante is also a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame at Bellarmine and San Jose State.
“We are very excited to announce David Diaz-Infante as the next Football Head of Program here at Bellarmine College Preparatory,” said Kevin Saldivar, Bellarmine Director of Athletics. “David brings a sense of pride, tradition, and hard work from his playing days at Bellarmine, San Jose State, and the NFL. His love and enthusiasm for Bellarmine football and the life lessons that the game can teach young men is what is most exciting about this new chapter of Bellarmine football. I can’t wait to see David build on the past success of the program while forging his own legacy for many years to come.”
Rod Jemison, Bellarmine’s new principal, echoes Saldivar’s enthusiasm for Coach Diaz-Infante. “I appreciate his vision of the BCP football program as well as his progressive approach to molding student athletes in the Catholic Jesuit tradition. There is no doubt we are a better school with him back in the community.”
Diaz-Infante returns to Bellarmine and brings the legacy and tradition of Bellarmine football with him. “I am beyond excited to have been given the opportunity to lead the next chapter of the storied Bellarmine football program,” said Diaz-Infante. “Being named head coach and following in the footsteps of John Hanna, Walt Arnold, Mike Janda, and Jalal Beauchman is a tremendous honor and I’m excited to add to the history and legacy those coaches have carved. Bellarmine and Bellarmine football have a rich tradition and history and I’m thankful to the school administration and athletic director for trusting me to carry that legacy forward.”
In addition to coaching, Diaz-Infante will have a staff position with Bellarmine’s Office of Advancement.