Dan Sanso
Kennesaw,MI
Summary
Accomplished football coach with 29+ years of experience across high school and collegiate athletics, recognized for excellence in team leadership and strategic program development. Proven success as a Head Coach for six years, supported by 17 years as a Defensive Coordinator and seven years as a Special Teams Coordinator/Co-Coordinator. Consistently built winning programs, delivering 25 seasons with winning records, 17 playoff appearances, and 31 postseason games, including three semifinal runs at both levels. Skilled in fostering player development, mentoring athletes to collegiate opportunities, and building disciplined, cohesive teams that thrive under pressure.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Defensive Coordinator
Kell High School
01.2021 - Current
- Directed the defensive unit to four consecutive playoff appearances, highlighted by a 2025 Semifinal berth.
- Assisted the team in securing two Region Championships (first since 2014).
- Produced 2 First Team All-State selection (AAAAA/AAAA).
- Coached Region 6AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023).
- Developed 20 First Team All-Region players and 10 Second Team All-Region players across four seasons.
- Mentored the development of over 15 student-athletes who advanced to collegiate playing opportunities.
Defensive Line Coach / Special Teams Co-Coordinator
Keiser University
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Helped launch first-year program to 6–4 record (2018).
- Assisted program to undefeated seasons in 2019 and 2020
- Secured 3 consecutive Mid-South Conference titles (2019–2021).
- Achieved 3 NAIA playoff appearances, including a national semifinal berth (2020).
- Ranked Top 10 nationally in final NAIA Coaches Poll (2019–2021).
Defensive Coordinator
Palm Beach Gardens High School
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Guided team to five consecutive Class 8A playoff appearances.
- Advanced to state semifinals (2013) and regional semifinals (2014, 2016).
- District Champions (2013, 2015).
Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator
Palm Beach Lakes High School
2003 - 01.2007
- Achieved four consecutive winning seasons and three playoff appearances (5–3 playoff record).
- Advanced to state quarterfinals (2004, 2005).
- Named Palm Beach County “Coach of the Year” (2004, Class 6A).
- Team ranked Top 10 in Florida (2004, 2005).
- Offense ranked #2 in the county (2003–2004), #4 in 2005.
- Defense ranked Top 5 in the county multiple seasons, allowing fewer than 10 points per game (2004–2006).
Defensive Coordinator
Suncoast High School
04.2017 - 12.2017
Linebackers Coach
Seminole Ridge High School
04.2011 - 12.2011
Defensive Coordinator
Royal Palm Beach High School
01.2010 - 12.2010
Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach
Cardinal Newman High School
04.2009 - 12.2009
Defensive Line Coach / Special Teams Co-Coordinator
St. Peter's College
01.2002 - 12.2002
Linebackers Coach
William Paterson University
01.2001 - 12.2001
Defensive Coordinator
Fort Pierce Central High School
08.2000 - 12.2000
Head Coach
Madrid Federals
03.1998 - 04.1999
WR/DB Coach / JV Head Coach
Westminster Academy
01.1997 - 01.1998
Education
M.D. - Health And Wellness
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN01-2023
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Universidad Complutense De Madrid
Madrid, Spain01.2000
Skills
- Georgia Teaching Certification (K–12, multiple subjects)
- Proficient in English and Spanish languages
Timeline
Defensive Coordinator
Kell High School
01.2021 - Current
Defensive Line Coach / Special Teams Co-Coordinator
Keiser University
01.2018 - 01.2021
Defensive Coordinator
Suncoast High School
04.2017 - 12.2017
Defensive Coordinator
Palm Beach Gardens High School
01.2012 - 01.2016
Linebackers Coach
Seminole Ridge High School
04.2011 - 12.2011
Defensive Coordinator
Royal Palm Beach High School
01.2010 - 12.2010
Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach
Cardinal Newman High School
04.2009 - 12.2009
Defensive Line Coach / Special Teams Co-Coordinator
St. Peter's College
01.2002 - 12.2002
Linebackers Coach
William Paterson University
01.2001 - 12.2001
Defensive Coordinator
Fort Pierce Central High School
08.2000 - 12.2000
Head Coach
Madrid Federals
03.1998 - 04.1999
WR/DB Coach / JV Head Coach
Westminster Academy
01.1997 - 01.1998
Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator
Palm Beach Lakes High School
2003 - 01.2007
M.D. - Health And Wellness
American College of Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Universidad Complutense De Madrid