With the retirement of Frank Mazzotta, former Cerritos College quarterback and long-time assistant coach Dean Grosfeld, has been tabbed as the new head football coach. Mazzotta, who spent 40 years as the Falcons head coach (42 overall), announced his retirement prior to the end of the school year. A member of the coaching staff for 23 years, with the last 12 as the offensive coordinator, Grosfeld will be taking over a program that is looking to rebuild after their 3-7 record in 2017.

"My short term goals and long term goals for the program will be the same, and that is to put out a high quality program that everyone associated with - past, present and future - will be proud of," said Grosfeld. "One of our greatest successes, off and on the field, has been the players matriculating on to four-year schools with scholarships, we well as building the tools needed for success."

As recently as two seasons ago, Grosfeld helped the Falcons break almost every quarterback passing record with Jimmy Walker (Robert Morris University) under center. In fact, in 12 of the last 16 seasons, all of the starters have earned scholarships, which included players transferring to Louisiana State University (Mike Harrison), University of Arizona (BJ Denker), Utah State University (Jeff Fischer), San Jose State (Kevin Brown), University of Utah (Chad Manis), Eastern Illinois University (Mike Keeling), University of Alabama-Birmingham (Cody Clements), College of Charleston (AJ Toscano) and University of Nebraska-Omaha (Glenn DeBreg).

However, one passing record that still stands is most passing yards in a game, an accomplishment made by Grosfeld against Mt. San Antonio College in 1991. Upon graduating from Cerritos, Grosfeld (pictured, left from 2016) transferred to Utah State University, where he played for two seasons and earned a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science. He turned down a graduate assistant coaching position with the Aggies to come back and coach with Mazzotta and the Falcons.

"Playing for and coaching with Coach Mazzotta helped me get into the coaching/teaching profession and solidified my career as a full-time employee," said Grosfeld. "I also believe the thing I have taken from Coach Mazzotta is the confirmation that the student-athletes are what drives us most and to always put them first."

A former teammate of Mazzotta's younger son, Casey, Grosfeld also stated that the lifelong friendships he made while playing for the elder Mazzotta helped make his decision to come coach at Cerritos, which eventually led him to taking over the helm.

"Some of my best memories as a player for Cerritos is the lifelong friendships that I have made," added Grosfeld. "Along with being on the 1991 conference championship team, playing with my best friends, which included Casey, made it a very special year for all of us involved. My first reaction when I was informed I'd be the new head coach was excitement, followed by humility. It's an honor to serve as the head coach at Cerritos College."

On taking over the position, Grosfeld stated, "I believe my strengths are my integrity, passion towards education, helping our student-athletes be better men and students and finally, showing them the value of athletic participation as it relates to life. My passion for the game of football is second to only my family and friendships. I have a tremendous work ethic. To sum it up, if you have integrity and a passion to help others, you're passionate about the sport and you have great work ethic, everything else will fall into place."

Grosfeld will lead the Falcons onto the field for the first time on Saturday, September 1, as the team will host East Los Angeles College.