He built Meridian football into a state power. Why the decorated coach is retiring now
John Zamberlin turned the Meridian High football program from an also-ran into a state title contender. But the 69-year-old’s reign with the Warriors ended Tuesday, when he informed his team of his retirement.
Zamberlin said he struggled with the decision ever since the Warriors’ season ended in October. But a recent family death convinced him it was time to end his 38-year coaching career.
“It’s been a great ride, a great journey,” Zamberlin said. “… I don’t know if you’re ever at peace with stepping down or stepping away. I love the players. I love the staff. I love the school. But you reach a point where you want to spend more time with family.
“They’re not getting any younger.”
Zamberlin took over Meridian six years ago as a 63-year-old, first-time high school football head coach and quickly revived the program. He led the Warriors to a 36-24 (.600) record and four state playoff berths, including three trips to the state semifinals and one state championship game appearance.
He broke an eight-year streak of losing seasons in his second year, led Meridian to its first playoff win in 14 years the next season, and captured a pair of division titles and one Southern Idaho Conference championship along the way.
“He’s definitely a staple and a pillar of Meridian football,” Meridian Athletic Director Nichole Williamson said. “He obviously came in and revived and built that program back. He was a huge contributor to leading that charge, and leading the culture of our school.”
The former NFL linebacker came to Meridian in 2019 after a long college and professional coaching career. He led Central Washington for 10 years before taking over the Idaho State program for four seasons. From there, a single season as a Weber State assistant turned into coaching and scouting gigs in the Canadian Football League before Zamberlin settled into the Treasure Valley.
He served as an assistant coach at Rocky Mountain and Eagle high schools before taking over at Meridian and reviving its long-dormant program. Zamberlin said he enjoyed the change of pace coaching a high school team brought.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “Meridian is the best school in West Ada with the best principal and the best support. The kids bought into what we were talking about and worked hard, and we were able to accomplish some great things.”
Zamberlin underwent neck and back surgeries in recent years, even coaching games in a neck brace. But he said he still feels great and wants to enjoy more time with his family.
“I still go to the gym, but there are times where my back doesn’t allow me to move and do things on the practice field like I’d like to,” he said. “I think it’s just a good time where I’m still in pretty good shape, and where I can explore and see what else is out there.”
This story was originally published February 14, 2025 at 11:37 AM.
