Sacred Heart Cathedral boys basketball coach Caesar Smith is stepping down, the San Francisco school announced in a release on Thursday.
Smith, an SHC alumnus, took over the Fightin’ Irish in 2021 and led them to two Central Coast Championships, including the Open Division title in 2023. He also won a Division III crown in 2024.
“I am thankful to have served as the head coach of the basketball team over the past four years,” Smith said in the release. “To have had the opportunity to coach at my alma mater was nothing short of a dream. This decision to step down was a difficult one. I will miss leading young men and the camaraderie, but at this stage in my life, I would like to spend more time with my family.”
SHC finished with a record of 10-16 overall and 2-12 in the West Catholic Athletic League this past season, tied for last place with St. Francis. Under Smith, the Irish went 14-14 in 2023-24, 16-13 in 2022-23 and 4-16 in 2021-22.
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He finishes his SHC coaching career with an overall record of 44-59.
“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and service Dr. Smith made to our boys basketball program,” SHC principal Gary Cannon said. “Not only did he continue the storied tradition of Irish basketball with multiple CCS titles, but he led a countless number of student-athletes to become better versions of themselves on and off the court, including several who continued their athletic careers at the collegiate level. We are proud of what Coach Smith has done in such a short amount of time for his alma mater.”
SHC announced that the school would begin its search for the next boys basketball coach immediately. Smith will continue to serve as an athletic director for the Irish.
