SAUGUS — Michael Broderick, who died at age 54 Tuesday, was one of those coaches who brought so much more than X’s and O’s.
Not only did Broderick win games as Saugus High’s head football coach (2005-2016), but the Belmont native played football at Suffolk University, was a history and sociology teacher, and a proud member of the Saugus community.
“We are deeply saddened as a school community over the sudden loss of SHS teacher/coach Michael Broderick earlier this week,” said Saugus High Principal Carla Scuzzarella. “His death touches so many at our school and in our vast group of alumni. Mike’s commitment to the students of Saugus was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him, learning from him, and playing for him.”
Broderick was named Northeastern Conference Coach of the Year in 2007 after winning the NEC South championship, then coached the Agganis All-Star game in 2008.
But trophies and touchdowns aside – and there were many of them – Broderick will also be remembered for the impact he had on his players.
“He was much more than a teacher or a coach,” said Saugus High Athletic Director Matthew Serino. “He was a mentor and a role model who touched so many lives with his wisdom, kindness, and passion. The impact Mike had on all of us will never be forgotten.”
Bret Reid, a starting quarterback and assistant coach under Broderick who currently teaches math at Saugus High, said “It was a blessing to have him paint the path.
“He helped me navigate my way through his system and find success winning football games,” Reid said. “But he was like a father figure in a sense, especially in navigating my way through high school.”
Saugus’ current football coach since 2019, Steve Cummings, said Broderick was “always a friend of the program.
“From the day I got the job in Saugus, Mike was nothing but helpful,” said Cummings, who always enjoyed seeing Broderick at track meets and as the JV football team’s site coordinator. “And he was a guy you could bounce things off of. Mike was a football guy. You could talk about schemes and practice play… and he was always willing to help out.”
And, of course, he “made those kids a priority,” according to Cummings.
“He was very involved with the kids in Saugus,” Cummings said. “He made it a point to get to games because he knew it was important for kids to see him there. He wasn’t one of those guys who just showed up, rushed, and went home.”
St. Mary’s football coach Sean Driscoll, who coached Winthrop High during Broderick’s time in Saugus, said he was “one dedicated man.
“He did a lot of good things for the program and was always a good friend,” Driscoll said. “He was a competitor, but always a man you could talk to and share ideas with. I developed a relationship with him.”
A competitor, indeed. Driscoll’s Vikings and Broderick’s Sachems used to play early in the season.
“It was quite the rivalry and always the home-opener,” Driscoll said. “We grew pretty close together. He did a nice job and ran that triple-option. He was good at it.”
Broderick’s coaching stops included Curry College, Arlington High, and the camps of Holy Cross and the U.S. Naval Academy. He also coached basketball at Arlington High (1997-2008) and Saugus High (2008-09), and co-directed the Boston Baseball Camps, providing underprivileged youth with opportunities to grow through athletics.
