Coaching Staff
Rae Oliver - Head Coach
Morris Catholic High School is pleased to announce their new Football Coach, Rae Oliver. A native of Essex County NJ, grew up amid the vibrant landscapes of East Orange and Orange, where he honed his passions for music and sports. Raised between these two cities, Rae navigated his formative years with a keen eye for leadership and teamwork, qualities that would define his future endeavors.
From his early days in the concert and marching band to his eventual transition to the football field in high school, Rae exhibited a natural talent and dedication that earned him accolades both on and off the gridiron. Graduating from Orange High School, Rae pursued higher education at Kean University, earning a BA before furthering his studies at Ashford University, where he obtained a Masters in Special Education and certification in social work.
In 1995, Rae embarked on a career as a Special Education Teacher with the East Orange School District, marking the beginning of a fulfilling 24-year tenure. Throughout his journey, Rae has imparted knowledge across a spectrum of subjects to students from kindergarten to high school, currently specializing in teaching science to the life skills population.
Beyond the classroom, Rae's passion for football led him to coaching roles at prestigious institutions such as Bergen Catholic, Seton Hall Prep, and Montclair HS, culminating in multiple State Championships as both an assistant and head coach for The East Orange Campus High School Jaguars.
In addition to his educational and coaching endeavors, Rae is a partner in the LLC, Inspiring V.I.S.I.O.Ns, dedicated to empowering urban youth to realize their potential. Through this initiative, Rae aims to instill a growth mindset in underserved communities, fostering confidence, perseverance, and collaboration among young minds.
With over 30 years of experience in social services, Rae has been a beacon of inspiration, recognizing community leaders, cancer survivors, and families of autism for their resilience and achievements. Notable among his accomplishments is the transformation of his high school football team's academic performance, elevating their GPA from 1.7 to 3.1 and guiding students towards academic scholarships over athletic ones.
While Rae has received numerous awards for his contributions to education, coaching, and social services, his greatest fulfillment lies in reshaping the cultural landscape of his environment, where students prioritize social and educational goals with newfound zeal and purpose.