Whether you discovered the news from a friend, Twitter, or elsewhere, Wednesday was a good day for Swampscott football fans.
Peter Bush has been named head coach of the Big Blue, replacing Bob Serino and following in the footsteps of his father Bill – Swampscott’s head coach from 1987-1998.
Bush, a former player and member of the Swampscott Hall of Fame (2011), has served as Swampscott’s defensive coordinator and special teams coach the past 12 years. He’s been a part of two Super Bowl victories for Swampscott (2019, 2021) and is “extremely excited” to take over such a historic program.
“I’m excited to keep these traditions going and make sure we keep the winning ways going,” Bush said. “The blueprint here is in place as to what it’s going to take to be successful.”
Bill, who said he and his wife Ann are “very proud,” believes his son knows the system and is ready to go. Also, to give Swampscott fans some chills, he added his son might “take a little something from all of us” when talking about some of the great coaches in program history.
“I think he’s going to bring some consistency and do a lot of the things we did in the past,” Bill said. “He’s following in my footsteps a little bit, but I think he’ll be his own person.”
Returning the favor, Bush said he’s “very fortunate” to have played for his father.
“Everything I’ve learned in high school, I’ve taken with me,” Bush said. “It’s all the mentors I’ve had over these years that have shaped me into the man I am today.”
On top of X’s and O’s, Bill said his son brings three key things to his players: commitment, dedication, and hard work.
“I think he’s already passed it along to some of the players over the past few years,” Bill said. “I think it works both ways [and] I think the kids really enjoy him.”
As for the hiring process, Bush said “it happened very quickly.”
“This is something that, since Coach Serino stepped down, I’ve had in the back of my mind,” Bush said. “Him [Serino] and I have spoken about it before, and it’s kind of been an on-and-off conversation.”
And if you ask Serino, he believes the whole community wanted Bush to take over.
“It’s great satisfaction, I’m at ease, and I know the program is in great hands with Coach Bush,” Serino said. “I think they’re [the young staff] going to bring a lot of energy.”
Energy indeed. Serino said Bush will “do anything for the program he’s associated with” and is “absolutely committed.”
“He’s a very organized coach [and] person,” Serino said. “And the camps that he runs – he’s unbelievable.”
When asked what he values in a strong program, Bush was quick to answer with commitment, sacrifice, determination, and teamwork.
“I think I, and the rest of the coaching staff, have always done a good job of making the players understand [that] football is the ultimate team sport,” Bush said. “The lessons that these players are going to learn will help them.”
As for Friday nights at Blocksidge Field, they’ll be here faster than you know it.
“We’ve been a pretty exciting football team to watch the past number of years, so we’re going to make sure to keep the excitement up,” Bush said.
Serino, who jokingly said he was more nervous than Peter about the situation, said he’ll be there front-and-center on game days.
“We’ve got something good going there,” Serino said. “I’m looking for him to do wonders with the program.”
