Courtesy of Mukala Kabongo

The Wakefield Memorial High School athletic department has announced the hiring of former KIPP Academy Coach Jim Rabbitt as the school’s new head football coach.

The announcement, made by Director of Athletics Mike Murphy, concludes a lengthy search for a head coach.

Rabbitt makes the move to Wakefield following a highly decorated decade at KIPP Academy in Lynn, where he was instrumental in building the Panthers from the ground up. Taking over a nascent program in 2017, Rabbitt transformed KIPP into a perennial contender in the MIAA, known for a disciplined, high-energy style of play. His tenure in Lynn was marked not only by on-field success and deep playoff runs but also by a reputation for helping players transition to the collegiate level.

A Medford native and former standout wide receiver at Arlington Catholic, Rabbitt brings a wealth of local knowledge and a deep coaching pedigree to Landrigan Field. Before his success at KIPP, he honed his craft as the offensive coordinator at Arlington Catholic under his mentor, Serge Clivio, and held various coaching roles at Minuteman and Marian. His coaching philosophy often emphasizes that the football field is an extension of the classroom, focusing heavily on building men of character through the rigors of the sport.

As he transitions to Wakefield, Rabbitt inherits a program with a storied history and a community that holds high expectations for its Friday night lights. His immediate focus will likely involve establishing his staff and integrating his tactical systems—often characterized by a strong emphasis on line play and lateral pursuit—into the Warriors’ existing talent pool.

For Wakefield, the hire of Rabbitt represents the addition of one of the North Shore’s most consistent coaches.