Renowned high school coach Ken Trimmer joined the Caldwell Sprint Football coaching staff in March 2017 as an assistant coach for the inaugural season and returns for his seventh year on the sidelines in 2023. Trimmer is no stranger to the Caldwell area as he was the Head Football Coach at James Caldwell High School for over 20 years and worked for more than 50 years in the district.
Trimmer retired from James Caldwell following a 23-year run as their head football coach following the 2016 season. He was the assistant coach for 20+ years and brings almost 60 years of coaching experience to the Cougars. Trimmer has been part of five NJ State Championship teams with two (1997 and 2008) coming while he was the head coach of the Chiefs. As head coach, he guided his teams to the postseason in 21 of his 23 seasons. While at James Caldwell, Trimmer also served as a physical education, health and drivers education instructor for 46 years.
Trimmer’s experience in the New Jersey football world is legendary. He has been involved with the Phil Simms New Jersey North-South All-Star Football Classic for over 25 years. Trimmer was the general manager for six years and has been the game director for the past 15 years. He has recruited former National Football League superstars to lend their support to the annual showcase of the best high school seniors in the state. The game is named for legendary NY Giants quarterback Phil Simms. The North Offensive MVP award is named for Dave Szott, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and the Washington Redskins. The North Defensive MVP Award is named for two-time Super Bowl Champion Jim Burt, former New York Giant and San Francisco 49er. The South Offensive MVP Award is named for NFL Hall of Famer Joe Theismann, former quarterback for the Redskins. The South Defensive MVP Award is named for Jim Jeffcoat, a two-time Super Bowl champion. Theismann (South River H.S.), Jeffcoat (Matawan H.S.) and Szott (Clifton H.S.) also played football in NJ and remain heavily involved in the North-South Game due to Trimmer’s influence. This past year, Neil O’Donnell (North) and Scott Brunner (South) served as honorary coaches.
Trimmer is also involved in the Robison East-West All-Star Classic where he serves as the treasurer. The game features the top high school seniors from Hudson and Essex Counties against the seniors from Passaic and Morris Counties. In his 24 years with the Robison Classic, Trimmer was involved in garnering sponsorships to provide the participants an opportunity to showcase their talents for the next level.
