Kevin Batty, who has been the head football coach at Verona High School since 2018, has announced that he will not be returning to the team next season.
“I would like to thank all the players, alumni, families and Verona community for all your support during my six years as head football coach,” Batty wrote in a post on his personal Facebook page. “I hope I have made a positive impact on your lives and helped you grow as a person and a player. I love you all, and will always be just a phone call away. ‘Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes. I’m afraid it’s time for a goodbye’.”
All Verona coaches are hired on a season-by-season basis for their sports. Asked by text whether the decision to not return was his or that of Verona High School, Batty texted “their decision.” VHS Athletic Director Laura Palmerezzi has not returned a request for comment. VHS Athletic Director Laura Palmerezzi responded at 9:20 p.m. that she was “unable to comment on a personnel decision.”
Batty is a Verona native and 1985 graduate of Verona High School, where he played football under legendary Coach Al Rotella. Batty went on to serve as head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and position coaching positions for various northern New Jersey schools. Batty was the offensive coordinator at Montclair High School, helping to guide the Mounties to three state championships and four Super Essex Conference Championships. He was also part of the coaching staff at Wayne Hills High School, Don Bosco Prep, and Weequahic High School, capturing state titles at all three schools. From 1999 to 2004 Coach Batty served as the Head Coach and Athletic Director at Marist High School. Before being hired by Verona, he was the offensive coordinator for East Orange Campus High School.
Verona had a 2-8 record this year, after finishing 3-8 in 2022 and 4-5 in 2021. But the team was 5-2 in 2020, 12-0 in 2019 and 7-3 in 2018, when it went all the way to the semifinals of the state playoffs.
