Coaches
Jeff Sutherland- Head Coach
Ridge High School proudly welcomes back alumnus Jeff Sutherland as our new Head Football Coach, a leader who infuses everything he does with tremendous passion and energy. His dedication extends beyond the gridiron, as he is deeply committed to supporting our athletes' growth in the classroom, the weight room, and on the field. Coach Sutherland's philosophy centers on delivering an exceptional football experience that not only elevates athletic achievement but also cultivates strong character, fosters academic excellence, and instills the enduring values of teamwork and positive relationships.
Coach Sutherland's roots run deep at Ridge. There he was a standout in baseball and Captain of the football team. He was a part of the 2003 State Championship Football Team and began his coaching career at Ridge during the 2013 State Championship Run. Adding a personal touch to his Ridge legacy, it was also here that he met his wife, Rebecca. His passion for football led him to Springfield College, where he played football and earned a bachelor's degree in physical education with a coaching minor. Furthering his expertise, he holds a master's in educational administration from Kean University and is a certified high school strength and conditioning coach.
Coach Sutherland's coaching journey includes valuable experience at Ridge, Immaculata, and New Brunswick High Schools. His strategic capabilities are evident in his successful tenures as a defensive coordinator at two different schools, including recently at Ridge, where he helped lead the team to two conference championships while also coaching the defensive and offensive lines. Since rejoining the Ridge Football Staff in 2019, the program has seen tangible results, including the emergence of new leaders in interceptions and sacks, and a record-setting season for fewest points allowed per game.
A proud member of our community, Coach Sutherland currently resides in town with his wife Rebecca and their children, Taylor, Wesley, and Austin. He is eager to build upon the impressive tradition of Ridge High School Football and lead the program to continued success.
Assistant Coaches
Brian McCarthy
Brian McCarthy
Brian McCarthy
Special Teams Coordinator, Tight Ends and Defensive Ends
Brian has been an instructional-aide in the district for 17 years where he enjoys helping children with disabilities. Brian is married (Colleen) and has three children (Spencer, Makayla and Brayden). Brian played high school football and basketball at Bridgewater and went on to pla
Special Teams Coordinator, Tight Ends and Defensive Ends
Brian has been an instructional-aide in the district for 17 years where he enjoys helping children with disabilities. Brian is married (Colleen) and has three children (Spencer, Makayla and Brayden). Brian played high school football and basketball at Bridgewater and went on to play football at Rowan University. This is Brian’s 4th year on the varsity staff. Coach McCarthy was hired as the varsity softball coach in 2020 after being an assistant varsity girls basketball coach for five years at Ridge.
Chase Vena
Brian McCarthy
Brian McCarthy
Varsity Assistant, Offensive Line, Linebackers, Kickers and Punters
Matt Giordano
Brian McCarthy
Varsity Assistant, Guards and Defensive Line
Matt is in his 3rd season as an offensive and defensive line coach. Previously he coached youth football in town for two seasons. He graduated from Ridge in 2018 after playing four years of football. Matt started varsity as a junior and senior playing offensive guard and defensive line. Current
Varsity Assistant, Guards and Defensive Line
Matt is in his 3rd season as an offensive and defensive line coach. Previously he coached youth football in town for two seasons. He graduated from Ridge in 2018 after playing four years of football. Matt started varsity as a junior and senior playing offensive guard and defensive line. Currently Matt attends Seton Hall university and will continue his studies while coaching this upcoming season.
Jonathan Leef
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JD Moore
Tyler Brandt
Varsity Assistant, Backfields
JD joins the coaching staff this year. He graduated from Ridge High School in 2012. playing Football, Basketball and Baseball. As a football captain, he was a QB/HB and DB earning all-conference, all area and all county honors.
He graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Criminal Justice i
Varsity Assistant, Backfields
JD joins the coaching staff this year. He graduated from Ridge High School in 2012. playing Football, Basketball and Baseball. As a football captain, he was a QB/HB and DB earning all-conference, all area and all county honors.
He graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Criminal Justice in 2016.
In 2018, he was hires as a police officer for the Bernards Township Police Department and is currently assigned as the Ridge High School Resource Officer. He also is an assistant Varsity coach for the boys basketball team at Ridge since 2018.
Tyler Brandt
Tyler Brandt
Freshman Head Coach
Tyler joined the football coaching staff in 2021 as the assistant freshman coach. He graduated from Kean University in 2019 with a degree in Health and Physical Education and a minor in coaching. While in college he was a member of the Kean university lacrosse team and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National C
Freshman Head Coach
Tyler joined the football coaching staff in 2021 as the assistant freshman coach. He graduated from Kean University in 2019 with a degree in Health and Physical Education and a minor in coaching. While in college he was a member of the Kean university lacrosse team and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society. Tyler is also a Physical Education and Health teacher as well as the head JV lacrosse coach at Ridge High School.
Athletic Trainers
Aimee Mitchell
Certified Athletic Trainer
Aimee Mitchell earned a BS degree in Physical Education from East Stroudsburg University with a Masters in Health and Human Performance and a concentration in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Prior to joining Ridge in 2004, Aimee spent 2 years at Covenant College in GA as the Assoc. Trainer & 1 year as the Head Trainer at Bernards High.
Scott Hoagland
Certified Athletic Trainer
Scott Hoagland earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education/Athletic Training from Kean University along with a Masters in Sports Medicine from California University of PA. Scott has served as an Athletic Trainer at Ridge High School since 2001.