The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by John Ross, Class of 2013
Jordan High is bringing in a former Panther to lead its baseball program with the hiring of Phillip Berman as new head coach. Berman was a member of the Class of 2013 in J-Town, and has been the head coach at Cabrillo for the past three seasons.
Berman said it was difficult to leave his current post with the Jags, but is excited to be back home on the North Side.
“It’s definitely mixed emotions,” Berman admitted. “It wasn’t easy. I definitely shed a couple of tears telling the guys at Cabrillo, I really loved coaching those guys for four years. But at the same time I’m so excited for this opportunity. I think it’s everyone’s dream to come back to their old high school and I just can’t wait to get this thing going.”
After graduating from Jordan, Berman continued his playing career at LA Harbor College before moving on to William Penn University. He returned to his hometown and began coaching after college, moving from assistant coach to head coach at Cabrillo just prior to the 2020 season.
After a difficult first two years navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Berman had the Jags headed in the right direction with a 9-13 record in 2022, and one league win shy of a possible playoff appearance.
Berman takes over for Bryan Whitfield, who stepped down after five seasons as Jordan head coach.
Recent success in the Jordan athletic programs has Berman optimistic about the program’s outlook, and he feels it was the perfect time to return home to his alma mater.
“I’m a diehard Jordan guy,” Berman said. “I loved my time at Cabrillo, but when I saw the job open up that’s kind of like everyone’s dream. To see the success of the football team, the track team, seeing the basketball team headed in the right direction, it’s an exciting time at Jordan.”
