Dino Garr
Dino Garr Dino J. Garr (born June 7, 1948) is an American high school football coach, teacher, and former player. He is the head coach of the Rye High School Garnets in Rye, New York, where he has compiled a career record of 365–114–4 as of September 2025, making him the winningest coach in New York State high school football history. Under his leadership, Rye has won four NYSPHSAA state championships (2005, 2007, 2008, and 2023). Garr, a Rye native and alumnus, has also coached baseball at the school and taught social studies for four decades. My Rye, Rye Record
Early life and education
Garr was born on June 7, 1948, in Mondaino, Italy. Following the death of his mother, he immigrated to the United States at age three in 1951, settling in Rye, New York, to live with his aunt and adoptive mother, Josephine Filippucci Garr. Raised in Rye's beach neighborhood near Wainwright Street, Garr grew up in a close-knit Italian-American community and attended Resurrection Elementary School, graduating in 1962. At Rye High School, Garr excelled in athletics, playing as a halfback on the varsity football team in 1965 and serving as co-captain of the varsity baseball team that same year. He graduated from Rye High in 1966. Garr received a baseball scholarship to college in South Dakota, though the specific institution is not publicly documented. After college, he coached football at Iona University and Fordham University. Garr credits mentors like George Maier, his high school football coach and a social studies teacher, for shaping his coaching philosophy and passion for education. My Rye, Rye Record
Coaching career
Garr began his coaching career in 1973 as an assistant defensive coordinator at Rye High School. He was promoted to head football coach in 1976, leading the Garnets for three seasons before the school opted not to renew his contract in 1978. During this period, he coached at Westlake High School for six years (1979–1984). Garr returned to Rye in 1985 as head football coach, a position he has held for 40 seasons as of 2025. Entering the 2025 season, he marked his 50th year overall as a head coach. His tenure includes four NYSPHSAA Class A state championships in 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2023, along with appearances in seven state title games. Rye has posted a winning record in each of the past 26 seasons under Garr, with over 75% of his games resulting in victories. Key milestones in Garr's win record include:
361st win: November 8, 2024, vs. Yorktown (35–14), surpassing Tony DeMatteo for the Section 1 record. 364th win: September 19, 2025, vs. Fox Lane (35–7), tying Howie Vogts for the state record. 365th win: September 26, 2025, vs. Clarkstown North (42–28), breaking the New York state record.
In addition to football, Garr coached the Rye varsity baseball team for 21 years from 1981 to 2002, initially assisting Lou Drago before succeeding him. He emphasizes team unity and personal growth, often asking players, "How good do you want to be?" with the expected response: "The best." After victories, he tells his team, "I love you guys." Garr retired from teaching social studies in 2012 after 42 years but continues coaching. My Rye, Rye Record
Personal life
Garr is married.
References
References
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