Parrish, 47, has lived minutes from Westlake for nearly a decade and has two daughters who attend the school.
“This is a family-driven, community-driven decision for me,” Parrish said. “I am rejuvenated and excited to be able to coach a team in the place that I live, where my children go and that allows me to be a better father. That’s a tremendous opportunity.”
Parrish brings the Westlake program a level of football prestige that it has not seen in some time. The Wolverines, who compete in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference, last posted a winning season in 2018.
“They have a deep and passionate group of alumni in my community, and they really care about this program and want this team to be good,” Parrish said. “So I’m going to give it 110 percent. … I’m going to win at Westlake or die trying.”
When Parrish stepped away from the Wise job last month, he said the long hours far from home had taken their toll. He is the only coach the Pumas had known, having been appointed in 2006 before the school was even open. He loved his job, but it was keeping him from his family.
“I don’t think people have an idea of how overwhelming coaching in Prince George’s County was for me, especially not living nearby,” Parrish said. “I can’t say enough about Wise High School and the kids and the community. It was an honor to be there. It just wasn’t working for me anymore.”
The Waldorf school, which opened in 1992, found consistent success in the late 1990s and early 2000s and won its lone state title in 2008. After a few down years, the program finished 6-6 last fall under coach Tony Zaccarelli.
Westlake is surrounded by talent in Southern Maryland; the SMAC is widely viewed as one of the deepest conferences in the state. Last season alone, the league produced three state finalists: North Point, Huntingtown and Calvert.
“One of my daughters is a cheerleader, so I’ve been to plenty of games,” Parrish said. “I”ve been a fan of the SMAC. Watching the great football, the community support. I know a lot of the coaches, too. And now I can’t wait to join them.”