After nearly 15 years at the helm, the Wellesley (MA) football program is turning the page to an exciting new chapter. Longtime head coach Jesse Davis recently stepped down, leaving big cleats to fill—but the Raiders didn't have to look far for his successor.

This past weekend, the Wellesley athletic department announced the promotion of assistant coach Jim Everhart to head coach. And if loyalty and experience count for anything, Everhart is the perfect fit. He has been a fixture in Wellesley Public Schools for two decades, coaching multiple sports, with the last 19 seasons spent as an assistant on the football staff.

"We are extremely pleased to announce Jim Everhart as our new Head Football Coach," the department shared via social media. "Jim has coached in Wellesley Public Schools for 20 years in multiple sports and on our Football Staff for the past 19 years. We look forward to many seasons ahead – Congratulations Coach Everhart!"

Everhart inherits a program with a proud winning tradition. Under Davis, the Raiders compiled an impressive 99-58 overall record, including two seasons of 10 or more wins (2016 and 2019). In 14 seasons, Wellesley posted just one losing campaign (2023) and finished .500 in the shortened 2020 season.

The Raiders are coming off a competitive 2025 season, finishing 6-5 overall. After a slow 1-3 start, the team rallied to go 5-2 down the stretch and earned a postseason berth. Wellesley ranked No. 65 in the final Massachusetts High School Football Massey Rankings for the season.

With Everhart's deep roots in the community and long tenure on the sidelines, the Raiders are poised to build on that momentum. As the program enters this new era, fans can expect the same gritty, disciplined football that has defined Wellesley for nearly two decades.