SANTA ANA, Calif. - Santa Ana College is proud to announce the hiring of Simon Fuentes, an alumnus and member of the SAC Athletic Hall of Fame, as the interim head football coach.

Coach Fuentes brings with him over 27 years of experience as both a coach and educator. He previously served as an offensive coordinator/assistant coach for the Dons from 2001 to 2010 and again from 2013 to 2016, contributing significantly to the program's development.

"I'm honored to have this opportunity," said Coach Fuentes. "I think about the coaches that I had here, who helped guide me to success and make me the man I am today. I'm happy to now have the privilege to help these students achieve their goals just like my coaches helped me."

As a player, Simon Fuentes led the Dons to their first conference championship in 23 years during the 1994 season. The undersized quarterback set the then school record for passing touchdowns in a game (4) and finished the season with 19 while throwing just four interceptions. Fuentes was named Mission Conference Player of the Year to cap the historic year. 

Following that, he transferred to Eastern Kentucky University where he starred for the Colonels, earning the Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year award in 1997. 

Coach Fuentes holds a master's degree in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University as well as a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Eastern Kentucky University. 

"I'm happy to announce the naming of Simon Fuentes as the interim 2025 SAC Football Head Coach. I'm confident SAC Football will continue to excel under his leadership with the emphasis on well-prepared student athletes that transfer to the next level," said Athletics Director Mary Hegarty. "I'd like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to Coach Geoff Jones for stepping into the role temporarily after the tragic passing of Head Coach Anthony White in 2023. Coach Jones, Coach Nyssen, and the entire coaching staff have done a tremendous job through challenging circumstances. With Coach Fuentes taking the baton, SAC Football will seamlessly transition forward and chase excellence in the classroom and on the field."

Coach Fuentes will officially begin his duties immediately and will lead the Dons into the upcoming season. "We have a competitive schedule but that's to be expected. There is a ton of talent in Southern California," said Fuentes about preparing for the upcoming season. "Our main goal and expectation is to compete and improve every day."

The Dons have begun Fall camp and will kickoff the 2025 season by hosting Bakersfield College on August 30th at 6:00 p.m.