Dylen Smith,  Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, QBs

Coach Smith began his football playing career at Santa Monica High School and then played for Santa Monica College. He was recruited to play quarterback at the University of Kansas from 1999-2000 before signing with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders of the CFL. His coaching career began with stints at Samo, Malibu High and Brentwood, where he served as their Varsity Offensive Coordinator, QB Coach and JV Head Coach from 2015 to 2022. He currently works as a special education assistant and holds a B.S in Criminal Justice and A..S in Athletic Coaching. He currently lives in Santa Monica with his two sons Draiden and Donnan.

Syr Riley, Offensive Line Coach

Syr Riley is a dedicated coach and former athlete with a strong background in football. A 2018 graduate of Palisades Charter High School, Riley had an impressive high school career, earning accolades such as the 2016 Western League Offensive Lineman of the Year, the 2016 CalHi Sports All-State Offensive Lineman, and being ranked as the Number 1 Offensive Guard on the West Coast by Scout.com. Following his successful high school tenure, Riley continued to excel on the collegiate level as an Offensive Lineman at Washington State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2022. In 2023, he transferred to Jackson State University to compete in his final season of eligibility, where he is also pursuing a Master’s Degree, set to be completed in May 2025. Now, as a member of the Palisades coaching staff, Syr Riley brings his tenacity, passion, and extensive knowledge of football to the Offensive Line. He is committed to developing a fundamentally sound, reliable, and dominant unit that will excel this season.

Jack Beck,  Varsity Defensive Coordinator

Coach Beck joined Pali High in 2024 as the Varsity Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs coach. He grew up in Westport, Connecticut playing football at Staples High School. He was a starting defensive back receiving All-League honors his Senior year. He went on to the University of Texas at Austin where he worked in multiple different departments within the football program, most recently, working within the recruiting department as a student assistant, helping both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. He graduated college in 2022 and in addition to coaching, works for an advertising technology startup.

Kelly Loftus, Varsity Linebacker Coach

Coach Loftus began his career at Palisades Charter High School in 1998 as a Health Education Teacher. He moved from the classroom to the Dean’s office in 2004 and has had the pleasure of being a Dean ever since. In 1999 he expanded his role within the athletic department as the JV Football coach. Coaching is second nature to him and where he truly feels at home. In his years as a Dolphin, he has coached Girl’s Softball, Track, Baseball and Football (JV and Varsity). He feels that working with Pali students has been far more rewarding than any player could ever know. Coaching is an honor. Thanks to Coach Smith and Pali High for the opportunity.

LeHenry Solomon, Wide Receivers Coach

Coach Solomon has over 18 years of coaching experience from youth through high school. He has coached various positions and was the JV Defensive Coordinator at Salesian High School. LeHenry’s work with student-athletes continues off the field as he has developed various programs to support academic and socio-emotional growth and success. He has worked with both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers as a coach in their camps supporting physical activity through the NFL’s Play60 program. LeHenry also has given trainings to coaches at the youth and high school levels regarding trauma-informed coaching strategies.

Julian Love, Defensive Line Coach

Brandon Forrest, Running Backs Coach

Coach Forrest is the Running Back Coach for Palisades football, having joined the team in 2024. He is excited and confident about the program’s future. In addition to his role with Pali football, he provides personal coaching to high school athletes. Beyond coaching, he is the co-founder and CEO of an all-purpose entertainment company focused on providing support and guidance within the industry.

Christian Featherstone,  JV Head Coach

Coach Featherstone was born and raised in Santa Monica and he started his football career playing at Santa Monica High School. He went on to play football and basketball for Santa Monica College. Once he realized he would have to be a full-time college student to play college sports he reluctantly dropped out to help his family provide for his younger siblings. At that time he started working for the SMMUSD as a teacher’s assistant within the entrepreneur business program at Samo. Shortly after, he was hired as the special teams coach & defensive coordinator for the freshman football team and also became the head freshman basketball coach. In 2012 he began working at Calvary Christian School and in 2018 he officially started his training program Lighzout which provides sports training and mentorship for youth ages 5-18. Coach Featherstone proudly brings more than 22 years of youth mentorship and life coaching experience to Pali High. He currently lives in South LA with his Girlfriend Rodjalynn and their three sons Xahavi, Xereck & Xion.

Rashad Rhodes,  JV Head Coach

Rashad Rhodes graduated from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2006, earning a bachelor’s degree in Recreation (parks and recreation). During his time at the university, he excelled as a center in football, playing a pivotal role in the Pioneer Bowl victory over Tuskegee University and securing the CIAA Championship in 2004-2005. Rashad garnered recognition as an All-CIAA and All-American athlete, also being a notable candidate for the Gene Upshaw award throughout his college career. Originally from Los Angeles, Rashad returned to his hometown in 2011 and began his coaching journey at Palisades YMCA, where he coached sports and officiated games. From 2016 to 2018, Rashad played a key role in establishing the sports program at Oakwood Recreation. In 2018-present Rashad coached the 5th grade flag football team at Calvary Christian School. Subsequently, from 2018 to 2020, he contributed to the success of the flag football program at Palisades Recreation.

In response to the challenges of the pandemic, Rashad launched his coaching business, focusing on enhancing athletes’ skills, drills, techniques, and mental well-being. He is dedicated to supporting athletes of all ages, ranging from five-year-olds to high school students, by boosting their confidence, fostering their understanding of the game, and providing holistic support. 

Beyond his passion for sports, Rashad is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Donchelle, proudly nurture five children—Nevaeh, JoJo, Nahlah, Novah, and Royal—who actively participate in rowing, track and field, gymnastics, football, and basketball. His children, inspired by his expertise, look up to him as a role model both on and off the field.

Rashad is excited to join the Palisades High Football program to be able to share his knowledge and love for the game of football with such a special group of athletes.