Bettencourt Named Head Football Coach at Peabody High

Peabody native Mark Bettencourt is the new head football coach at Peabody High.

Athletic Director Phil Sheridan announced Thursday that Bettencourt, who is also the Tanners' head baseball coach, was hired this week after being recommended by a football coach search committee.

The Salem News reports that Bettencourt was a finalist for the job back in 2008 when Scott Wlasuk was hired instead to lead the Tanners' football club.

"The committee felt strongly that Mr. Bettencourt has the necessary skills and personal attributes that are needed in our football program right now. We believe that his passion, discipline, organizational skills and knowledge of both the game and our community uniquely qualify him as we move forward," said Sheridan in a press release.

Principal Ed Sapienza and Sheridan, in a letter to Superintendent Joe Mastrocola on Tuesday, said the committee wrapped up interviews of the candidates this past weekend and unanimously recommended Bettencourt for the job.

There were 17 applicants, but one person withdrew before interviews began and then seven candidates were interviewed by the committee. There was even discussion amongst the group on whether a second round of interviews were needed before making a final selection.

Bettencourt, who is a cousin of Mayor Ted Bettencourt, dons the uniform of Lynnfield's finest when he's not coaching. He transferred to Lynnfield from the Peabody Police Department a couple years ago.

Fellow officer and Peabody Lt. Scott Wlasuk resigned as the head football coach last fall after 4-1/2 seasons.