Biography

Cliff Sherman took over as the head football coach at Attleboro High School in 1991, and during the next 11 seasons Coach Sherman, his staff and players “restored the pride in the AHS football program!”  Sherman began coaching football for the Bombardiers in the fall of 1969, where he mentored seven future Hall of Famers including standout quarterbacks Todd Holt & Mike Bassis.  After the 1970 season, Sherman left the AHS football program and joined the Providence College football staff as offensive coordinator under well-known football coach and Hall of Famer, Chet Hanewich, from 1971-1982.  Sherman later accepted the head coaching position at Stonehill College in 1983, and in his final season at Stonehill Sherman guided his team to the 1989 NCAA Division III Eastern Collegiate Football Conference Championship. 

In 1990, Sherman found himself out of football as he took over the reins as AHS athletic director (1990-2001). This was also the first fall since 1969 that Sherman would not be roaming the sidelines.   One year later the Blue & White needed a new football coach, and the best candidate to bring stability and football knowledge to the Attleboro football program was sitting in the AD chair.  

Cliff Sherman took over the AHS football program and surrounded himself with quality coaches who had a passion and commitment to develop student athletes.  Cliff’s staff included Jay Gilmore, Mike Martin, Kevin Deschenes, Lou Gazzola, Mark Houle, George Heverly, Jim Nordberg, Steve Mayer and Bud Loring.  Having coached football, baseball (1971-1988 asst coach), basketball (1979-83 asst coach & 1984-94 head coach) as well as teaching science at AHS, Sherman, knew that the football program did not always attract the best athletes, however, this was about to change!  Sherman and his staff reached out and challenged athletes at AHS from various sports to join the exciting new direction of AHS football, and they did!  Sherman, who demanded  a strong work ethic and dedication from his staff and players, coached the Bombardiers until 2001 and finished with a 69-46-2 record while winning (5) Eastern Athletic Conference Championships (92, 95, 96, 98 & 99), and participating in (4) Division 3A Super Bowls (92, 96, 98 & 99).  

Sherman fondly remembers the 1992 team and their bus trip to Dartmouth, where AHS won their first EAC title in routing Dartmouth 35-13, to capture Attleboro’s first Super Bowl berth.  In 1993 & 1994, Coach Sherman recalls beating outstanding Mansfield teams.  However, defeating North 22-8 on Thanksgiving Day 1994 at Tozier-Cassidy Field, where Sherman’s son Tom (Hall of Famer, AHS 95) was selected the Offensive MVP, remains a special memory.  A “bitter sweet”, but proud private memory for Sherman in losing to North on Thanksgiving Day 1997 was Sherman’s youngest son, Andrew, being named the Defensive MVP for North.  Coach Cliff Sherman will always be remembered for his dedication, guidance, leadership and his exceptional ability to get the best out of his students and players.  Sherman is now retired and resides in North Attleboro with his wife Jane.