Esperanza names Nick Heinle as interim football coach

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Esperanza has selected Nick Heinle as its interim football coach, Aztecs principal Kelly Molina announced to players and families.

Heinle served as defensive coordinator under Esperanza coach JP Presley, who submitted his resignation after four seasons.

Heinle played football at Fountain Valley and Chapman University.

“After meeting with members of our current coaching staff who expressed interest in serving as interim head coach, I am pleased to share that coach Nick Heinle has been selected to serve as the interim head football coach for Esperanza,” Molina wrote in an email to players and families on Thursday night.

“Our coaching staff is meeting today to align on their vision and plans for the start of summer camp,” the principal added. “This collaborative effort will help ensure continuity, stability and a positive experience for our student-athletes as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

Esperanza is scheduled to open summer camp on Monday.

Molina stated that the school has posted its opening for a permanent football coach.

She added that Keri Walters will serve as Esperanza’s interim athletic director. Walters is a former athletic director at the Placentia-Yorba Linda district school.

Presley also served as athletic director at the school.

Esperanza finished 4-6 last season and missed the playoffs. The Aztecs will be part of the new-look Kappa League in 2026-27.

The school has won four CIF-SS championships in football, including most recently in 2019.

Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com

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This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 3:11 PM.