I'm not sure if he has any extravagant fur coats in his closet.

I'm almost positive he hasn't made any bold predictions that became known to just about everyone on the planet.

And Snoopy probably didn't have him in mind when he put on the sunglasses and became the infamous "Joe Cool."

No, he probably hasn't shocked the world like fashion expert and former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath.

It's safe to say his resume probably won't be compared to the accomplishments of four-time Super Bowl winner Joe Montana or vice president-elect Joe Biden, either.

But when it comes to Tallmadge High School football, everyone knows who Joe is.

He's Joe Vassalotti; head football coach, English teacher, husband and father.

Joe has guided the Blue Devils to five straight Division II playoff appearances, including two trips to the state semifinals.

His teams also have won four Suburban League titles during his seven-year tenure.

When he gets away from the gridiron, Joe deals with his other field of expertise: literature.

Let's just say he knows the difference between Hamlet and the I-formation.

On the football field, Joe won't be compared to Bill Parcells or Vince Lombardi.

Fire and brimstone aren't his style.

Joe is calm, cool and collected.

You won't see him smile nor will you see him frown on the sidelines.

In other words, if you look at Joe's eyes from the other side of a poker table, you may want to fold your cards.

Joe can speak softly and say very little and yet, get everyone so charged up and excited.

He relates to the players, too.

In fact, sometimes, he looks like he's one of them.

Joe has a nickname, too. One that often might make him roll his eyes and get a little embarrassed.

Yes, just about any young lady in Tallmadge seems to dig Mr. Vassa"hottie."

Sorry ladies, he's married. Joe has a knack for addressing the media, too.

He's very polite, classy and never at a loss for a good cliche.

Joe' statements won't be confused with Jim Mora's infamous "playoffs" rant or Knute Rockne's touching "win one for the Gipper" speech. He lets his team's play do the talking.

Joe has achieved rock-star status just about everywhere he goes.

He's well-liked by both the players and fans and is admired and respected by his peers.

Joe is a winner.

The Blue Devils weren't a particularly bad team when he arrived. They weren't a juggernaut, either.

Thanks to his coaching expertise and even-keel personality, Joe has made football become the talk of the town.

Joe doesn't seem to think failure exists.

Tallmadge appeared to be in big trouble when it fell to 3-3. One more loss would have doomed the Blue Devils' chances of reaching the postseason.

Joe knew that better than anyone.

He also knew his players could turn it around.

Did they ever.

Six weeks later, Tallmadge earned a berth in the Elite Eight after getting its sixth straight victory.

Life couldn't be better for Blue Devil fans.

The entire town has fallen in love with its football team, which is having its best season in three years.

The town seems to like the coach, too.

When it comes to the city of Tallmadge, a number of people know this: Vassalotti is no ordinary Joe.

E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3914