A Local Hero Takes the Helm: Kip Finley Leads North Arlington Football

A Familiar Face Returns Home

Kip Finley, a well-known figure in North Arlington, has been appointed as the high school's new head football coach. The Board of Education approved his appointment on January 20th. Finley, a 2001 graduate of North Arlington High School, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

A Journey Through Sports and Coaching

Finley's path to becoming a head coach has been anything but ordinary. He played three sports in high school: football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, he pursued baseball at Centenary College, where he earned a degree in criminal justice. Today, he serves as a state trooper stationed in Hope Township. His nickname, Kip, was given to him by his family to distinguish him from his father, who shares the same first name.

Coaching Career: From Leaders to Vikings

Finley's coaching journey began with the North Arlington junior football program, known then as the Leaders. He then took on assistant coaching roles at the high school and St. Mary before joining the staff at Morris Catholic in 2017. Most recently, he served as the special teams coordinator at Sparta. This new role as head coach marks his first major head coaching position.

A New Era for the Vikings

Finley is eager to turn the Vikings' fortunes around. The team has struggled in recent years, winning only one game in the last two seasons. Finley plans to meet with the returning seniors on January 21st to start building a winning culture. His focus is on teamwork and winning games, not individual accolades.

Building the Team

Finley is in the process of assembling his coaching staff. He has brought on Paul Savage, a former Vikings head coach, as his defensive coordinator. With around 35 players currently in the program, Finley hopes to add a few more to the roster. He envisions a team that plays fast and physical, embodying the hard-hitting tradition of North Arlington football. Practices will be upbeat, fast-moving, and no-nonsense, reflecting his approach to the game.