South Salem names Josh Vanlue as new head football coach
The 39-year old South High grad succeeds long time coach Scott Dufault
South Salem High School has named just the seventh head football coach in its 70 year history, announcing Monday that Josh Vanlue will take over the reins from long-time coach Scott Dufault, who served for 24 years.
Vanlue has been a loyal part the Saxon coaching staff for 17 seasons, and most recently has directed South’s very productive AIR RAID, pass-oriented offense. Josh expressed great excitement about taking over the vaunted football operations from the man who showed him the ropes—Scott Dufault.
“In talking with my wife, I figured I have spent 180 games on the sideline as both a player and a coach,” said an enthusiastic Vanlue. “This is the place I’ve always wanted to be and it was worth the wait.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be the next Saxon football head coach.”
Coach Vanlue says what keeps him coming back to the football field are the relationships—with both members of his coaching staff, and the players who come up through the ranks year after year.
“I got many texts from my former players and that has made it all worth it… the impact you have on young men’s lives is awesome. “
Vanlue says paying back the South Salem community for all its nurturing of him for about 24 years is something he and his family are more than happy to take on.
As for his first steps as head coach, Vanlue says he will be rebuilding the entire coaching staff—beginning with the defensive coordinator—a job previously filled by the retiring Dufault. Also on the short “to do” list is creation of a new design for the Saxon football helmet.
As for all the odds and ends of the program—expect most of the drills and practices to look pretty much the same. Vanlue says that his team will “continue to throw it all over the yard, play as fast and possible, and hope to put up some numbers and win games.”
Vanlue will be attempting to balance his football and personal lives. He speaks highly of his wife Jenny, who has been by his side since 2004, and cares for daughter Palmer (age 5) and son Tate (2) during the busy football season. Josh’s previous job as offensive coordinator has given the family a chance to adjust to the demands of coaching. And they could frequently be seen mingling with players during various Saxon events at the school.
Vanlue has no doubts about taking over the Saxon football program, calling it a “proud moment” for his family.
He closed his comments with “Go Saxons.” And for South Salem fans, that should be assurance enough that the Vanlue family is ready for the challenges ahead.
More about Josh Vanlue: Josh was a 2002 graduate of South Salem High, and was the starting quarterback for the 2001 conference champions—who upset McNary during the regular season. Josh then moved on to play football at SEC power Kentucky—where he spent a year in the Wildcat football program and dealt with multiple arm surgeries. From there, Vanlue moved to Division II Western Oregon University, where he was a nationally ranked punter for two seasons.
What an awesome choice of Josh. Having watched him from afar since middle school his dedication to the youth of our community is beyond compare. The only unsettling thing is the gray in his beard.🤣🤣 Good Luck Josh!!!
This is a very good hire. Looking forward in following Josh and the Saxons.