Aaron De La Rosa returned to the University of Redlands in June of 2018 as a full-time Assistant Football Coach, specifically working with the defensive backs. Most recently, he served as the Defensive Coordinator at Reedley High School in Reedley, CA, during the 2017 season after working as the Offensive Coordinator in 2016.
"I am extremely honored to return to Bulldog Athletics. I would like to thank Jeff Martinez and Mike Maynard for giving me this opportunity," De La Rosa said. "I am excited to work for Coach Maynard and his staff again, and I look forward to the upcoming season and helping Joey Mariani maintain a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball."
De La Rosa began his original stint at Redlands as a graduate assistant coach, working primarily with the linebackers while attending the School of Business. After completing his Master of Arts in Management, he took on the responsibilities of Special Teams Coordinator while also coaching the corners during the 2015 season. During his three seasons with the Maroon and Gray, the team put together a solid 17-11 record that included the 2013 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) championship. That year Redlands ranked No. 1 in all NCAA divisions for Red-Zone Defense. In 2014 and 2015, the Bulldogs led the conference in defensive turnovers, forcing their foes to 29 and 22 turnovers, respectively. The Bulldogs ranked first in the conference in kickoff returns, punting, and punt returns during De La Rosa's final season.
"We are thrilled to have Coach De La Rosa return to Bulldog football. I know him to be a tireless worker and a highly competitive and versatile football coach. He is a true student of the game and often gives meaningful ideas to advance the program," stated Head Coach Mike Maynard. "Coach De La Rosa is also a terrific communicator and engages well with both team members as well as prospective student-athletes."
Previously, De La Rosa worked at Clovis North High School for the three years in Fresno, CA. As the varsity assistant head coach, he led the special teams and running backs and served as a co-offensive coordinator. Additionally, he was the strength and conditioning coach for the team. During De La Rosa's tenure at Clovis North, the team won the CIF Valley Championships in 2011 and 2012 while also finishing as runners-up in the Division I Southern Section of the state playoffs.
As a student-athlete, De La Rosa enjoyed a successful career as a running back on the heralded Fresno State football team. In 2007, he received the Kiwanis Torch of Excellence award, which honors student-athletes who display extraordinary academic achievements.
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, De La Rosa completed his Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology at Fresno State in 2010.
De La Rosa is among multiple new hires for Bulldog Athletics, as the department continues to make the transition from graduate assistants to full-time assistants.