Randall Cunningham named Silverado’s football coach

Silverado High announced Monday that it had hired Randall Cunningham as its head football coach.

Cunningham, a former star at UNLV and in the NFL, takes over for Andy Ostolaza, who posted a 40-39 record in eight years with the Skyhawks. Silverado was 3-7 this fall and finished fourth in the Northeast League.

The Skyhawks lost 20-7 to Coronado in the first round of the Sunrise Region playoffs.

“You want to make sure that you’re getting somebody that’s going to be great, not only for the football program, but a positive role model for the kids,” Silverado Principal Bob Mars said. “I think that’s what we’re getting in coach Cunningham.”

Cunningham was a standout at UNLV, leading the Rebels to an 11-2 record as a senior in 1984. He also was a two-time All-America selection as a punter for UNLV.

He then spent 16 seasons in the NFL with Philadelphia, Minnesota, Baltimore and Dallas.

Cunningham was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted to the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2009.

“There’s many strengths he brings to the program,” Mars said. “He’s a member of our community, so he’s familiar with that. He is extremely knowledgeable about the game and the sport, and he’s certainly got name recognition, which is going to help as well. He’s a real positive role model. We’re always looking for those positive adult male role models for the students at our school.”

Cunningham was a member of the Silverado coaching staff in 2010 when he served as the team’s offensive coordinator. He resigned prior to the 2011 season, and his son, Randall II, who attended Silverado as a freshman, transferred to Bishop Gorman for his final three years.

Contact prep sports editor Damon Seiters at dseiters@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4587. Follow him on Twitter: @DamonSeiters.