Don Herman, the respected and decorated former Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School football coach of 28 years, is coming back for more.

High athletic director Mark McCarthy confirmed Thursday that Mr. Herman has been hired to coach the Vineyarders this fall.

Mr. McCarthy and a search committee interviewed five candidates for the head coach position, but he said no one could compare with Mr. Herman’s resume that includes an overall record of 220-90 and five Super Bowl championship victories. The vote from the five-member committee was unanimous.

“He’s the guy everyone was looking forward to being the coach,” said Mr. McCarthy. “He’s a hall of fame coach.”

Mr. Herman will be formally reintroduced to the public at the annual Touchdown Club cookout on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the high school. All MVRHS football alumni are invited to attend.

The football team has struggled since Mr. Herman retired in 2015 and gone through two coaches in two years. Injuries and disciplinary issues last year also forced the team to cancel the Island Cup on Nantucket.

Speaking to the Gazette by phone Thursday, Mr. Herman said it was hard to watch the team he helped build and direct for nearly three decades fall into disarray.

“The football program was my baby,” he said. “The past couple of years the baby has been sick. I feel honored and privileged to come back and try get my baby healthy again.”

He said he plans to return with a tried-and-true coaching formula built around discipline, conditioning and fundamentals. With the team now out of the Eastern Athletic Conference, he said he looks forward to a much more competitive schedule this season. He said he plans to jump right back into the job this week by opening up the high school weight room with YMCA health and wellness director Asil Cash to get the team in shape before the season starts back up in August.

Mr. Herman said he’s currently finalizing the coaching staff and eager to help guide the team back to its former glory. He emphasized that fans shouldn’t worry, he’s here for the long haul.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said.