Cicuto steps down as coach

“The most I’ve ever learned from football — and that’s at high school, junior college, college or arena — was at Glendale college,” Thorossian said. “And it was with Cicuto and Sartoris.

“I know how hard this is for him, he loves football.”

Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid played offensive line for the Vaqueros for two seasons in the 1970s.

Reid, who led the Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2005 against the New England Patriots, built a close friendship with Cicuto that hasn’t stopped after nearly 30 years.

“He’s one of the finest coaches I’ve ever had as a player,” said Reid, a former NFL Coach of the Year. “He’s a relentless worker who loves the game.

“I was an offensive guy, but I know the defensive guys were always in his office talking to him. But offense, defense, it didn’t matter, he was there for everybody. I’m glad he’s staying at the school.”

Cicuto said longtime offensive coordinator John Rome might be among the suitable candidates to replace him. The job will soon be posted with it possibly expected to be filled by February, Cicuto said.

If so, Rome will look to further elevate the program, much like Cicuto did.

“I will apply for that position,” Rome said. “If I was fortunate enough to succeed John, it is what I’ve based my entire career on becoming.”

Whomever fills the position will no doubt have big shoes to fill.

Cicuto led the Vaqueros to two Western State Conference titles, winning them in 1990 and 2005.

After a 4-6 season in 2004, Cicuto’s final three seasons have seen the Vaqueros become a perennial conference contender. They’ve gone 23-9 in that span.

“He has been my greatest mentor, and the philosophy that Jim Sartoris and John Cicuto started back in 1975, I subscribe to,” Rome said. “It stems from the tutelage John gave to me.”

— Grant Gordon and Jeff Tully contributed to this story

 CHARLES RICH covers sports. He can be reached at (818) 637-3228 or charles.rich@latimes.com.