Jullian Salerno takes over the reigns as the new head coach for the Patriots.

The Parkway South Patriots football program is turning the page this season with the hiring of new head coach Jullian Salerno.

For 33-year-old Salerno, the decision to join South was about more than just football.

“Staying in the Parkway School District was a huge priority of mine,” Salerno said. 

Having coached against South for the past two seasons, Salerno said he saw firsthand the determination within the program. 

“I saw a lot of fight and grit from the players and coaches,” he said.

Salerno steps into the role after serving 3 years as the assistant football coach at Parkway North, a place he says will “always be special” to him. While the transition won’t be easy, Salerno said the opportunity to lead his own program was one he couldn’t pass up.

“I have always wanted to be a head coach and lead my own program,” Salerno said. “I am looking forward to competing against North again in the future.”

Salerno said he is focused on building a culture rooted in consistency, preparation, and respect.

“I want to build a program that is respected by the St. Louis high school football community,” he said. “We have to do hard things over and over and over again. If we want different results, we have to follow a different process. Consistent preparation will provide us with the results that we are looking for.”

Supporting that vision is defensive coordinator Kyle Whitcher, who will continue leading the defense while helping to implement Salerno’s plan.

“We’re just gonna do things a little differently,” Whitcher said. “Hopefully that’ll put us in a position to be successful.”

Whitcher emphasized that trust and strong relationships are key to building a winning staff. 

“Finding good high school coaches that you trust is hard,” he said. “We both work in Parkway, so he’s heard good things from people about me and vice versa.”

For the players, the change has already sparked excitement. Junior running back Jalen Jones said he welcomes the news of a new coach. 

“I was excited because I think we needed a new restart to the program,” Jones said.

Jones believes Salerno brings a strong football mindset and positive energy to the team. 

“He has like a real feel for football,” he said.

As for this season, expectations are clear. Jones hopes the team can improve its record and set a new standard. 

“To win more than five games,” he said when asked about his goal for next year.

The Patriots finished 2-8 this football season. It has been four years since the Patriots last had a .500 record, going back in 2022. 

On the other hand, Salerno won a district championship this past season when the Vikings had a 10-2 record. North hasn’t lost more than 3 games in a season with him on staff. 

He now takes on the challenge of coaching the Patriots who have struggled to see success in the last few years.

Salerno has something not many coaches can say they have, which is experience. Salerno coached quarterbacks at his Alma Mater, Fox Chapel High School in Pittsburgh, Pa for 3 seasons. Not only did he coach quarterbacks, he also played quarterback at Erie Community College for 2 years, where he later transferred to Vincent College to finish his collegiate career. 

With the excitement of coach Salerno, Swinton also makes his comeback under the help of Salerno. 

“I’m excited to see what he brings out,” Swinton said. “It’s been a whole year since I touched the field so I’m ready to get back out there.”

Salerno’s goals extend beyond wins and losses. He wants to ensure every athlete has a positive experience while laying a foundation for long-term success.

“My goal is to be competitive in every game, ensure that kids have a positive experience playing football, and lay a foundation that can continue to be built upon,” he said.

Most importantly, Salerno wants his players and community to know one thing about him: “I care about people. I am as loyal as they come. I will do anything for the people that I care about.”