Staff

Coach Charles Adam Jr. has been immersed in the world of football since the age of 8. As a young player, he excelled as a Tight End and Defensive End at North High School, where he had the privilege of winning a City Title. His coaching journey began with the Minneapolis Police Activities League, where he served as the Offensive Coordinator for the 10U team. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him to coaching the Freshman Team at North High, later advancing to a varsity assistant role, and ultimately becoming the Head Coach in 2009.

Football has always been a passion for Coach Adam, deeply inspired by his father, Charlie Adams, who shared vivid stories of his playing days in high school and college. The camaraderie, strategy, and physicality of the sport captivated him, and coaching became a way for him to channel his enthusiasm into developing young athletes. He takes immense pride in not only shaping players on the field but also helping them grow as individuals.

During his playing career, Coach Adam distinguished himself as a team captain, earning all-conference honors. One of his standout achievements was leading the City Conference in touchdowns and two-point conversions as a Tight End. These experiences have profoundly influenced his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes respect, discipline, effort, teamwork, and hard work.

Coach Adam is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment where his players can thrive. His approach to player development is rooted in building technical skills, mental toughness, and strong character. He places a high value on individual attention, goal setting, and leadership development.

His vision for the Minneapolis North football program is to cultivate a winning culture that extends beyond the field. He aims to develop well-rounded student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and personally, and to create a program that earns respect within the community while preparing players for success in college and beyond.

Coach L, a dedicated football coach, began his athletic journey after graduating in 2008. He was introduced to amateur football leagues and played until 2018. During his playing career, he achieved notable success, including being named co-captain of a Minnesota amateur team in 2009, which went on to win the championship that year. In 2017, Coach L was part of another championship team in Minnesota that reached the nationals, where they narrowly lost by one point.

His coaching career kicked off in Florida in 2011, where he won two State Titles. His passion for coaching was sparked when a coworker invited him to assist with strength and conditioning for a football team. The experience of working with young men hungry for structure and guidance became his purpose. In 2015, he moved back to Minnesota to continue his coaching career.

Coach L's coaching philosophy centers on teaching a higher level of football, focusing on helping young men react quickly and play fast, which leads to making plays and having fun. His ultimate goal is to win State Titles by building championship-caliber men who excel not only on the field but also in the classroom and at home

Coach Ronald Buck Jr. has extensive experience coaching at both the Varsity and JV levels, typically working with the big boys. He has held positions as both Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator. Coach Buck's passion for football is evident in his deep knowledge of the game, his love for football, and his strong connection to the Northside community.

Coaching has always been part of Coach Buck's plan. He enjoys teaching the game and preparing players for competition, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of athletes.

Coach Buck's mission is to ensure that each Polar football player respects himself, his teammates, and his community. He is committed to helping every student graduate on time and be ready to compete at the college level. Through the program, players will become bigger, faster, stronger, and smarter, fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

His goals for the Minneapolis North High School football program include:

Ensuring at least 11 players from each class are represented on the roster.

Teaching players how to train their bodies and minds to thrive in a competitive environment.

Winning a State Championship.

Sending kids to college physically, mentally, and academically prepared to win and perform well.

Coach Buck is dedicated to building a successful program that not only excels on the field but also prepares players for success in life.

Coach Kyle Fox is entering his sixth year of coaching, all of which have been at North High, where he specializes in coaching defensive backs (DBs). In addition to his role with the DBs, Coach Fox also assists with special teams, as well as the JV and C squads.

After concluding his playing career, Coach Fox was eager to use his knowledge and experience to guide and mentor young athletes. He believes that football is a special sport that teaches valuable life lessons and prepares individuals for the future. His goal is to make a lasting impact on those he coaches.

As a player, Coach Fox was a three-year starter at Wheaton College (IL), where he played defensive back. He was a key part of multiple conference championship teams and national playoff appearances, with the team’s best season culminating in a national quarterfinal game.

Coach Fox’s philosophy is to keep the game simple, allowing players to play freely and achieve success. He focuses on creating game-like scenarios in drills to ensure that players get realistic reps. He aims to prepare his players for any situation they may encounter in a game, making sure they have already experienced it in practice.

Coach Fox's primary goal for North High football is to win a state championship, with many smaller objectives supporting that ultimate aim. Beyond the field, he wants his players to continue their education and set themselves and their families up for future success. While he hopes many of his players will go on to play college football, he also emphasizes the importance of earning both athletic and educational scholarships.

Coach Jamire Jackson graduated from Minneapolis North in 2017, where he played four years of Varsity football and won a championship in his senior year. After high school, he attended North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) for two years before being recruited to complete his college football career at the University of Mary in North Dakota.

Though new to coaching, this season marks Coach Jackson’s first experience transitioning from player to coach. With the end of his playing career, he felt it was time to take on a new role in the sport he loves, helping young athletes chase their football dreams.

During his playing days, Coach Jackson earned recognition as an all-metro player in high school, was named to the first-team all-state/metro in his senior year, and made the 2nd team all-defensive both years at his junior college.

His coaching philosophy is centered on the idea of “being a sponge,” emphasizing his commitment to helping players improve and reach their full potential. The pressure he applies is always aimed at making his players better.

Coach Jackson’s goals include developing the younger squads and preparing them for their time on varsity. He is also determined to bring the team back to the championship level they are capable of achieving and is committed to bringing another ring back to the program.

Coach Tom Lachermeier is a seasoned football coach with a rich history of playing and coaching the game. He began his football journey as a quarterback at Orono High School, where he was named the offensive MVP of his conference in his senior season. He continued his playing career at Bethel University, where he contributed to a team that made the National Playoffs twice, even though he primarily served as a backup.

Coach Lachermeier’s coaching career started at Anwatin Middle School, where he coached football for two years. He then moved on to Minneapolis Roosevelt for another two years before beginning his tenure at Minneapolis North, where he is now entering his 12th year. He started as the quarterbacks’ coach and later took on the role of offensive coordinator while continuing to coach quarterbacks.

A passionate educator, Coach Lachermeier believes in the power of working with young people both inside and outside the classroom. He values the unique bonds that are forged through the shared experience of a football season and is committed to preparing his players for success both on the field and in life. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with his players, ensuring they know they are valued as individuals, not just athletes. 

Coach Lachermeier sets high expectations for his players, pushing them to achieve more than they ever thought possible. His ultimate goal is to develop his players to the point where they have the opportunity to play college football if they choose to. Beyond that, he strives to create a brotherhood within the team, fostering lifelong relationships among players.

Committed to his community, Coach Lachermeier aims to win a state championship for his players and the community. More importantly, he wants to see his players grow into successful, community-oriented adults after their playing days are over.

Coach Michael "MJ" Johnson is a proud graduate of Miami Carol City Senior High School, where he attended from 1999 to 2003. During his time there, he played both football and baseball. He then continued his athletic career at Minnesota West Community College, playing from 2004 to 2006, before earning a scholarship to Minnesota State Mankato, where he played from 2006 to 2009.

Coach Johnson began his coaching career at St. Louis Park High School, where he coached from 2010 to 2012. He then moved to Robbinsdale Cooper High School, where he coached from 2012 to 2022. During his tenure at both schools, he coached all positions on the defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs. He also served as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator for four years.

Currently, Coach Johnson serves as the Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and General Manager for the Minneapolis Warriors Semi-Pro Football Team.

His inspiration to coach high school football stems from a desire to make a meaningful impact on young athletes' lives. During his high school playing days, Coach Johnson was fortunate to have coaches who were incredible mentors, teaching him not only the skills of the game but also valuable life lessons about discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He is dedicated to passing on that same guidance and support to the next generation of players, helping them grow both as athletes and individuals. High school football is a pivotal time for many young people, and being part of their journey is what truly motivates them.

Coach Johnson's coaching philosophy is built on the foundation of building character and instilling a strong competitive spirit. He believes that football is more than just a sport—it's a tool for teaching life lessons that extend beyond the field. His approach emphasizes developing players' physical abilities while cultivating traits such as resilience, integrity, and teamwork.

He encourages players to challenge themselves, push beyond their limits, and embrace the value of hard work. By focusing on personal growth and team dynamics, Coach Johnson aims to create an environment where players can excel individually and collectively, preparing them for both athletic success and life's broader challenges.

Coach Johnson's primary goal with the Minneapolis North High School football program is to build a winning culture that extends beyond the field. He aims to create an environment where athletes not only excel in football but also develop essential life skills that will serve them long after their playing days are over. By emphasizing hard work, teamwork, and discipline, he seeks to cultivate a culture of excellence that will inspire future players. While winning championships is important, Coach Johnson's ultimate aim is to develop well-rounded student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and personally. He envisions his players becoming leaders in their communities, role models for younger athletes, and individuals who embody the spirit of POLAR PRIDE in everything they do.

Coach Kori Randle was a three-year varsity starter, playing both Running Back and Defensive Tackle. During that time, he also served as one of the team captains. After graduating from Minneapolis North, he attended North Dakota State College of Science, where he played football for one season. His coaching career began in 2021, coaching 8th-grade football at Fairview Park. In 2022, he continued his coaching journey at North Commons, also with the 8th-grade team. This upcoming season marks his second year coaching at North.

Coach Kori Randle’s love for the game has never waned. After many conversations with himself and those close to him, he decided that coaching was the best way to fulfill his passion for football, even after his playing days were over.

Coach Kori Randle’s approach to player development is rooted in the understanding that coaches have a profound impact on their players' lives. He is committed to helping young men realize that football not only builds speed and muscle but also develops great character and a strong sense of community.

His goal for Minneapolis North is to ensure that the POLAR PRIDE culture never dies while continuing to set the winning standard in the city. He is dedicated to helping athletes reach college, providing them with opportunities for a brighter future.

Coaching alongside the same coaches who guided him during his time as a Polar motivates Coach Kori Randle to make a lasting impact on the current generation of athletes, both on and off the field. His ultimate goal is to one day become the Head Coach of the North High football program, ensuring that the proud culture of the team lives on for years to come.

Coach Orlando Koger has been playing football since the 3rd grade. He attended Washburn Senior High School in South Minneapolis and later went on to UW-Eau Claire in Wisconsin. Since 2019, he has been playing semi-pro football for the Minneapolis Warriors. In addition to his playing career, Coach Koger has volunteered as a coach with several park boards in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

His inspiration to coach comes from a desire to help the next generation, including his nephews who now play tackle football, to grow and improve in the sport. Coach Koger's passion for football is fueled by multiple factors in his life, with the sport serving as an outlet that has helped him strive for greatness.

Coach Koger’s coaching philosophy is rooted in a love for winning the game and dominating the opponent. His approach to developing young men focuses on ensuring they fully understand their positions and the concepts behind them.

His goals are to ensure that every young man on the offensive line understands their assignments and blocking schemes, with the ultimate objective of winning a state championship.

Coach Craig Merritt Sr. began his football journey at the age of 7 or 8, playing park board football at Jordan Park in North Minneapolis. A proud alumnus of North High, he continued to play football throughout high school, later attending Mesabi Range Community College in Virginia, MN, where he played for an additional two years. Although he was offered the opportunity to continue playing at Youngstown State University, he chose to step away from the game due to burnout and the responsibilities of fatherhood. After leaving school, Coach Merritt played semi-pro football with the Pioneers and the Shakopee Warriors before ultimately retiring to focus on providing for his son, Craig Merritt Jr.

Coach Merritt's passion for football runs deep, which led him to pursue coaching. He was driven by a desire to give back to the youth, particularly those who, like himself, may not have had access to all the resources needed to achieve their goals and dreams. Helping young athletes use their talents to gain access to higher education and continue playing the game of football is something he finds deeply fulfilling.

One of Coach Merritt’s most memorable highlights from his playing days was during the Twin Cities game in his senior year against St. Paul Como, where he recorded seven catches for 214 yards and three touchdowns, leading his team to victory. Though he had some notable games in college, none surpassed the performance of that day. Known for his relentless work ethic, Coach Merritt was an all-conference player in his senior year at North High, where he played a variety of positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, safety, punter, linebacker, and defensive end. He was willing to play wherever the team needed him, embodying the belief that "you practice how you play."

Coach Merritt's coaching philosophy is hands-on and relationship-driven. He prioritizes building connections with his players, not just as a coach but as a friend and mentor. He believes that when kids truly trust and connect with their coach, they will go above and beyond on the field. Inspired by one of his first coaches, Gary Wilson, who was a guiding figure both on and off the field, Coach Merritt strives to provide that same level of support to his players. He takes pride in developing young talent at North High, helping them become familiar with the program's expectations and preparing them to compete at a high level. North High, once known primarily as a basketball school, has become a destination for football talent, and Coach Merritt is proud to have contributed to that transformation, including bringing the school its first-ever state championship in football.

Coach Merritt’s goals are to continue providing opportunities for young athletes to be coached, challenged, and pushed toward greatness. He is committed to growing the program and helping students earn college scholarships across the country. It brings him immense joy to see former players return and share their accomplishments, both on and off the field, knowing that football helped open doors for them. Coach Merritt is dedicated to showing the state that North High and the Northside community are home to not just great athletes, but also great kids and people. He is, and always will be, North Side Strong.

Coach Abraham Cass has been a dedicated educator and coach at North High School for the past 10 years, where he has taught science and coached football for the last eight years. Throughout his coaching tenure, he has held various positions, including JV Head Coach, Defensive Line Coach, and Offensive Line Coach. This year, with a toddler and infant at home, Coach Cass is stepping back from active coaching but will remain involved as the Director of Football Operations (DOFO). In addition to his football coaching experience, he has also coached lacrosse at Anoka High School and served as the show director and coach of a nationally recognized water ski show team.

Coach Cass's passion for coaching stems from the joy of seeing athletes grow into strong, capable young adults through the challenges football presents. He finds great fulfillment in getting to know the players both on and off the field, as well as in the classroom, recognizing that each student brings a unique light to the team and the school.

During his playing days, Coach Cass was a standout athlete, earning Class 11AA All-State Defensive Tackle honors in South Dakota in 1999. However, as a multi-sport athlete, he chose to pursue hockey for his college career at St. John's University, where he helped his team win a National Championship. Additionally, he has a background in professional water skiing, having performed for six years at Sea World Entertainment Parks and around the world.

Coach Cass's coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that sports, especially team sports, serve as a controlled environment that mimics real life. He emphasizes that hard work and small, consistent changes lead to success, whether in building a championship team, developing a player, or shaping a person's character. He hopes that the lessons learned on the field will be applied by his players to their academics and future lives, guiding them toward success.

As the Director of Football Operations at Minneapolis North High School, Coach Cass is committed to helping students address the challenges they encounter—whether on the field, in the classroom, or life. He believes that while winning is important, it ultimately depends on the effort and dedication of the players.

Coach Kelly was a three-year starter at Omaha Central High School (NE) from 1993 to 1996, playing Tight End (TE) and Defensive End (DE). After high school, he became a two-year starter at Iowa Central Community College and later played two years at New Mexico State University.

He began his coaching career as the 9th Grade Head Coach for Hope Center CC in Omaha, NE, and later served as Head Coach for the Woodbury Athletic Association, where he coached 3rd-9th grade teams for six consecutive seasons from 2007 to 2013. During this time, he had the opportunity to coach his son, Jeremiah Coddon, who went on to become an All-State WR at Woodbury High School in 2016 and 2017.

Coach Kelly’s inspiration for coaching came from spending time with his son and sharing the game he loves. He is constantly striving to improve both himself and his players, believing that football builds character, commitment, teamwork, and accountability—all essential traits for thriving in life.

Coach Kelly believes in the power of positive reinforcement rather than creating an environment of fear. He understands that many aspects of football are relatable to life and that providing a positive environment where players can make mistakes without harsh criticism helps both the player and the team develop. He emphasizes that player development aligns with personal development, ultimately leading to success.

Coach Kelly's goal is to help bring the State Championship back to North. He aims to make lasting positive impressions, experiences, and relationships that will stay with the players for the rest of their lives.