About Us

Since taking over as Head Coach of Carlsbad High School Football in 2011, Coach Thadd MacNeal has built one of the premier high school football programs in California. Under his leadership, the Lancers have captured multiple Avocado League Championships, competed in numerous CIF Open Division championship games, and consistently ranked among the top football programs in the state.

Coach Mac's accomplishments include being named the 2021 Chargers Coach of the Year and the 2020 San Diego Union-Tribune Coach of the Year. His teams have achieved national recognition, including a #1 Public School ranking in California and a Top-10 national ranking.

Beyond Carlsbad High School, Coach Mac has served as a head coach and director for some of the nation’s most prestigious high school all-star events, including the Under Armour All-American Game, the Semper Fidelis All-American Game, the East-West All-Star Game, and the 605 All-Star Game.

A proud Carlsbad High School graduate from the Class of 1989, Coach Mac has deep roots in the community. He and his wife Kelly (CHS Class of 1991) have raised three children who have continued the family’s strong connection to Carlsbad athletics and academics.

Outside of football, Coach Mac is a successful entrepreneur and community leader. Alongside lifelong friends and former teammates, he helped revive a beloved local institution, That Pizza Place in Carlsbad. He also serves as Co-Commissioner of North County Coast Friday Night Lights, helping grow one of Southern California’s largest youth flag football programs from approximately 500 players to more than 2,500 athletes each season.

For Coach Mac, football has always been about more than wins and losses. It’s about culture, family, leadership, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive both on and off the field.

Coach Paul "Pub" Publico has been a cornerstone of Carlsbad High School Football since 2013, serving as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. Known for his passion, discipline, and defensive expertise, Coach Pub has played a vital role in the sustained success of the Lancers program.

A standout athlete at Los Alamitos High School, Coach Pub earned numerous accolades during his playing career, including All-CIF honors, All Orange County recognition, Long Beach Dream Team selection, League Defensive Player of the Year, National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete, and Team MVP honors. He remains one of the most accomplished defensive players in school history, holding multiple school records.

Following high school, Coach Pub continued his football career at UC Davis, where he competed for two seasons before graduating as part of the Class of 2005.

Like Coach Mac, Coach Pub’s impact extends far beyond Friday nights. As Co-Commissioner of North County Coast Friday Night Lights, he has helped create opportunities for thousands of young athletes throughout Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Costa, San Marcos, Vista, and Oceanside to learn the game, develop confidence, and build lifelong friendships.

Today, Coach Pub resides in Carlsbad with his wife, two daughters, three dogs, and two cats. Whether coaching championship-caliber defenses or mentoring the next generation of athletes, he remains committed to serving the community and helping young people reach their full potential.