Getting to Know New Head Football Coach Tom Kaufman

Sitting in his office with the 1989 National Football Championship banner hanging across from his desk, new Wildcats Head Football Coach Tom Kaufman wears a smile that says everything. He understands the weight of where he is. He knows the size of the shoes he has to fill—and he’s ready.

“Saint Ignatius has long been regarded as an elite institution,” Kaufman said. “And when Saint Ignatius calls, you answer the phone.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After building his career at the college level, Kaufman and his wife, Stephanie, chose to plant their roots back in Northeast Ohio. The couple, both originally from Lake County, are raising their two young sons, Jack and Max, in a place where family and community are close by.

When asked what drew him to the position, Kaufman pointed to the people and the mission.

“We talked about academics, the history of the school, the traditions, and the unbelievable job that Coach Chuck Kyle (’69) did,” he said. “I knew I would be very supported in taking this role, and that was very important to me.”

Kaufman deeply values Catholic, Jesuit education.

“When I think about a Jesuit institution, leadership is the first thing that comes to mind,” he explained. “Jesuits have historically led the way and held a very high standard. Things start at the individual level, and that’s how we want to build this football program.”

For Kaufman, football is about more than wins.

He is committed to forming young men who contribute to their communities.

“We’re here to give—that’s what we’re called to do,” he said. “We have to be Men for Others. Whatever talents we have, we need to share those with others and help make this community and this world a better place.”

Faith has long been central to Kaufman’s life. He attended St. Mary Magdalene Elementary School in Willowick before continuing his Catholic education at Lake Catholic High School and later John Carroll University.

At the core of Kaufman’s coaching philosophy are three values: Love, Action, and Connection.

“When we talk about Jesus’ life—someone who talked the talk but, more importantly, walked the walk—that’s who we want to be,” Kaufman said. “We want to be men of action. We can’t just talk about service—we have to live it.”

He also challenges players to define their beliefs.

“They’re at an age where peer pressure is strong,” he said. “They need to identify what they believe in so when things get hard, they can fall back on those beliefs.”

Relationships sit at the heart of his program.

“A big part of why I do what I do is building relationships,” Kaufman said. “I still hear from former players regularly. That tells me we connected and gave them skills they need for life—not just football.”

At Saint Ignatius, football is more than a game—it’s a classroom for life. Student-athletes learn not only X’s and O’s, but the values that prepare them for success beyond the gridiron.

Kaufman is focused on building a culture rooted in family, accountability, and pride in representing the school on and off the field. With experience spanning high school, Division III, and Power 4 college football, he brings both vision and knowledge to the program.

“Being a football coach isn’t rocket science,” he said. “It’s about relationships. You’re called to be a teacher—to develop young men into the best version of themselves.”

Tradition matters, but Kaufman emphasizes process over trophies.

“The tradition here is unparalleled. We chose jersey number 11 at the introductory press conference to represent the 11 state championships,” he said. “But that doesn’t give us the right to number 12. We have to earn it.”

He measures success not only by wins but also by growth.

“Are we producing young men of character? Are they better when they leave than when they arrived? That’s how we’ll know we’re moving in the right direction.”

His vision is clear: a program built on love, high standards, toughness, and unity.

“We want to build the most connected football program in the country,” Kaufman said. “From freshmen to seniors—one family.”

Whether first-team All-State or fifth-string left guard, every player matters.

“They’re all valued. They all have a role,” he said.

Grateful and energized, Kaufman closed with humility and determination.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I’m going to give every ounce I have to lead this program to the highest level it can attain—which is limitless.”

The work, he knows, is just beginning.

 

This story originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of the Saint Ignatius Magazine. To read the entire issue, click here.