Nothing but respect for Bucs coach

Berkeley Prep's hiring of Dominick Ciao is lauded by county and pro coaches.

By JOEY KNIGHT
Published March 28, 2007

TAMPA - Since resigning as Jesuit football coach in 2003, Dominick Ciao has worked part-time at One Buc Place, earning what defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin calls admiration from virtually everyone in the franchise.

Now that Ciao has taken over Berkeley Prep's program, many agree it won't be long before that group of Buccaneers falls in love with him, too.

"I just think the reputation of him alone will bring a lot of good to that program," ex-Jesuit two-way star and Ciao pupil Josh Cervi said.

The Bucs' hiring of Ciao, 53, was formally announced Tuesday, lending instant prestige to a Class 2B program that won only one game in 2006. In 17 years as Jesuit coach, Ciao went 132-60, reached the state playoffs 10 times and reached the state title game in 1992.

"That is a great, great thing for Berkeley that they got him," said Plant coach Bob Weiner, a Jesuit graduate and Ciao assistant for 15 seasons. "It's great for Hillsborough County."

Though he resigned from Jesuit to devote more time to his family, Ciao said the passion for coaching never abandoned him.

He spent the past four years helping Kiffin's staff break down film, among other things, while waiting for the right opportunity to return to the sidelines. Eventually, he created a deadline of March 1 to decide on his immediate coaching future.

Berkeley athletic director Bobby Reinhart phoned him March 2.

"It really kind of just happened," said Ciao, who will teach physical education at Berkeley and embark on his first spring practice May 1. "It was just the right time for me to get back. To me, it was just a unique situation and a great school. I met with the headmaster Joseph Merluzzi and (Reinhart), and it was a great meeting."

Reinhart said in a statement Berkeley is "thrilled" to have Ciao aboard.

"Coach Ciao comes to us with a tremendous history of football success and a remarkable reputation as a man and leader of young men," Reinhart said.

"He's outstanding," added Kiffin, whose youngest son, Chris, played for Ciao at Jesuit. "You can ask all the defensive coaches who have worked here from Rod Marinelli to Mike Tomlin to Joe Barry - they all respect Coach Ciao."

Among those expected to join Ciao on his new staff are former Jesuit standout and Notre Dame letterwinner Gary Godsey. Some assistants on Plant's gargantuan staff, composed of many who either played or coached for Ciao, also could join the Buccaneers.

Times staff writer Scott Purks contributed to this report. Joey Knight can be reached at (813) 226-3350 or jknight@sptimes.com.

[Last modified March 28, 2007, 00:26:14]