SALINAS >> The intentions of each head football coach who has come aboard at Alvarez High in the past eight years were sincere — establish a culture, build a foundation and restore the pride in the football program.

At times, it appeared players were buying in. A vision was coming into focus. Yet, what you need in a program is stability. Each of the past three coaches who have graced the Alvarez campus haven’t lasted more than two full seasons.

New coach Ben Newman knows all about the Eagles’ past. Before he took the job, he dissected film of games, peeked at players’ body language.

“The main thing is discipline,” Newman said. “I saw a lot of mental mistakes. The team was very young. When I look at the film, I see a lot of talent.”

A rebuild is always a challenge in the Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division. The term “embrace it” has been overused by previous regimes.

Because of its enrollment size and the number players in the program, Alvarez isn’t likely to drop in the future. And that’s just fine with Newman.

“I’m pretty truthful with them,” Newman said. “I’m not sugarcoating anything. It’s not a one-year deal. It’s a three- to four-year process. My goal is to get to .500 first. The freshmen are going to be the fruits of our labor in getting through the entire process.”

The immediate challenge is getting his seniors — 36 of them on the roster — to buy into being a part of the solution.

“It took a while to get some on board,” Alvarez quarterback Abel Bailon said. “There was some nerves. We knew it would be different. But we as seniors have a chance to change things, make a difference. We can be the group that gets it done.”

Newman has done his homework. Over the past 20 years, the Eagles have won 26 league games — including a 6-0 season in the old Pacific Division in 2013.

“Do the math, it’s been one or two league wins a year,” Newman said. “If we can get some wins, the seniors will be the reason for that.”

A larger than expected turnout has Newman bringing back the freshman program to Alvarez, as 142 players are currently in the program.

Closing last fall with five straight losses left the Eagles with a 2-8 record for the second straight year, missing the postseason for the seventh consecutive season.

Still, there were building blocks, such as beating one of the eight teams it faced that reached the postseason, while falling to another by four points.

In fact, Alvarez actually held leads in the first half in six of their games last year, only to fade in the second half. The win over Hollister snapped an eight-game losing streak to their rivals, a streak that began in the playoffs in 2014.

“I do use that game as an indicator of their potential,” Newman said. “I also use the losses as their discipline as well. They mentally broke down against Palma after leading. I’ve watched film with some of the players to show them what went wrong.”

Yet, it’s not just discipline that’s keeping the Eagles from taking that next step and putting their name in the playoff hat going forward.

“There are athletes here,” Newman said. “But they’re not coming out unless you win or show signs of improvement. My structure is different. We have an open line of communication. We’re in a teaching mode. I told one coach we don’t need to be yelling right now.”

Newman, who was a part of Marina’s coaching staff in 2022 when it set a school record for wins with its first-ever winning season, has preached pride and commitment since stepping on campus.

“The first question I asked them when I took the job was who wants to play football after high school?” Newman said. “I think three players raised their hands. I told them by the end of the year, half of you will raise your hands. There isn’t a culture here.”

The Eagles have had the distinction over the last two years of playing an opponent that won a state title in Atascadero in 2022 and Palma in 2023, In both games, Alvarez held leads, falling to Atascadero in overtime in 2022.

“For these seniors, I’m their third head coach,” Newman said. “I’m just another guy. You have to gain trust both ways to get them to buy in. I’m trying to convince them that your name will be part of the legacy of our foundation.”

Revamping the offense, Newman has been pleased with the progress made in the off-season, as he put together a game plan that he believes fits the personnel of his roster.

“We’re going to run a spread,” Newman said. “We need to control the ball better and take some time off the clock. Each year we will be able to implement more of the offense.”

There were glimpses of Bailon’s talent last fall, as the senior made one start against Salinas, throwing for over 200 yards and two touchdowns.

“With this offense, I can make adjustments on the fly or change the play at the line of scrimmage,” Bailon said. “There were some rough patches in the beginning. But we’re all on the same page. We’re just more competitive with each other.”

With an emphasis on being more balanced, one player who will be targeted more is receiver Aiden Jones, who caught a dozen passes, with a touchdown in limited touches.

It won’t hurt having Roman Garcia returning at tailback for the Eagles, having put together a pair of 100-plus yard rushing efforts as a sophomore last fall, with Edgar Chavez lining up as a H-back.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Garcia showcased breakaway speed in the open field, with one of his touchdowns last fall being 77 yards.

“He’s going to get more touches,” Newman said. “His vision is very good. He’s a student of the game. He’s very patient. You watch him in person and you say ‘dam that kid is good.’”

Among the lineman Newman is banking on is Ivan Chavez, who will likely anchor the offensive line for the Eagles, while Edgar Chavez will line up as a defensive tackle.

“The entire offensive line saw significant time last year,” Newman said. “Ivan has a motor. He’s a smart player. I’m patient in that I’m here to stay. I have a good feeling about where we are. Hopefully it all pans out.”

Regarded as a defensive coach, Newman doesn’t need to be reminded that Alvarez gave up 40-plus points in five games — all losses, allowing 38 points a game.

“I would not have taken the job if I didn’t think we could turn the culture around,” Newman said. “But it also starts in the classroom. We got to make grades. Each practice is a chance to learn.”