When it comes to high school football around the Sunshine State, it’s unique compared to the other 49 around the country. It’s become a 365 days a year sport in terms of training filled with a lot of transition when it comes to head coaching positions.
This off-season has seen a major overhaul when it comes to head coaches around the state. Here is a look at some of the changes around Florida.
Tyler Eden heads to Bartow as the program’s new head coach
Many around Polk County praised Tyler Eden for his work with Davenport quarterback Brinley Vandiver in the 2021 season.
Now Eden will take his coaching talents over to Bartow High School as the new head coach. On Thursday, Bartow’s athletics department announced that Eden would be the new head coach of the Yellow Jackets.
The Yellow Jackets went 5-6 last season in Class 4-Suburban, reaching the postseason and losing in the region quarterfinal against Lake Minneola, 63-20. Eden replaces Richard Tate, who left to become the head coach at Ridge Community.
Eden was the offensive coordinator at Davenport and 2021 was his most impressive job to date. Vandiver in that season threw for 2,566 yards, 20 touchdowns versus three picks.
Flagler Palm Coast tabs Daniel Fish as next lead man
After a month long search to find its next head coach, Flagler Palm Coast has found its man.
Daniel Fish has been tabbed as the next head coach at Flagler Palm Coast, leaving Father Lopez after three seasons at the school. The hiring was first reported by Chris Boyle of The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
In three seasons at the Green Wave, Fish compiled an overall record of 14-14 and led the school to a playoff appearance last season in Class 1S. It will be no easy task in replacing Robert Paxia, who ended up leaving the program to take a head coaching job in Georgia at Winder-Barrow High School.
Brian Palone takes over at Cambridge Christian as head coach
Cambridge Christian had to work quickly in finding its next head coach after Steve Stanley stepped down due to personal reasons.
The Lancers on Wednesday afternoon announced they’ve found their new lead man of the football program. Cambridge announced the hiring of Brian Palone as the next head coach of the Lancers.
Palone steps in for Stanley after the team bounced back from a dismal 2021 season at 2-8. Stanley led the club to a 6-4 record last fall, with the program looking like they were heading in the right direction. Now Palone steps in with hopes of bringing some stability to a program that’s seen three different head coaches in the last four seasons.
Other head coaching hires
Zach Harbison (Tocoi Creek)
Garrett Kruczek (The Master’s Academy)
