LYNN — KIPP Academy has named its next head football coach in Marcus Taylor, who replaces Jim Rabbitt after Rabbitt was hired at Wakefield High.
Taylor was born and raised in Lynn and graduated from Lynn Tech in 2018.
“I understand KIPP’s start — coming from humble beginnings, working extremely hard, and becoming a perennial program in the state and within our division,” he said. “I just want to make sure these kids feel valued within the city and the state. This feels like home and, to me, it’s the right place to be.”
As for his excitement level, he’s “through the roof.”
“I feel blessed and I’m privileged to be part of the program and head of the program,” Taylor said. “I can’t put into words how excited I am. I’m looking forward to working with the team, from the administration, teachers, and other coaches.”
Athletic Director Anthony Grimaldi believes Taylor is the right choice to lead the Panthers on Friday nights.
“We are excited to welcome Marcus Taylor as he continues the tradition of excellence within KIPP football,” Grimaldi said. “Coach Taylor is a dedicated and passionate leader who brings a strong commitment to student-athlete development, teamwork, and competitive success. We are confident that his leadership, energy, and vision will have a tremendous impact on our program and community.”
Taylor brings experience. He was part of Lynn Tech’s program for six years (starting as a 19-year-old) before heading to Bishop Fenwick in Peabody.
“I learned an immense amount of football from (head) coach Dave Woods and David Dugan,” he said of Fenwick. “In the summer, I run a Nike football camp. The organization . . . from hiring the staff, handling the budget, talking to parents — the whole nine — made me even more ready for the head coaching position.”
Taylor laid out his short-term goals.
“Short-term goals, I want to make sure all the student-athletes have a positive experience when they’re part of the KIPP Academy program. It’s very important to make sure they have a valuable experience — whether it’s one year with me or four years. I want them to leave as a better human being than when they came in,” Taylor said. “For the seniors, I want to make sure all of them are set for when they leave this program. Whether it’s college, trade school, going into the service, entrepreneurship, whatever they want to do, I want to help them and help develop a path for them.”
