When there were 15 new head coaches named last year in Miami-Dade County, it was indeed a record season for Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
While every year there is a turnover in both counties, last season defined the ambition that these schools have when it comes to football.
In an era where losing players to transfer has become the norm, some coaches just are not up to fighting the fight – after developing prospects as freshmen and sophomores - only to loser them before the start of their junior seasons.
While the pay is terrible and the hours long and tedious over 12 months, with camps, combines, conditioning, spring, summer, and the season, having the prestige of being a head football coach in the two counties seems to be worth it.
Jobs in Georgia, Alabama, Texas and other states offer more in the way of financial gains, but the pressure to win with lesser talent than any of those states. Just check Power 5 and NFL rosters and the 60 miles from southern Miami-Dade and northern Broward are hard to beat.
WELCOME BACK MAX
While we haven’t reached February yet, the need to fill head coaching positions is so important because the off-season conditioning and events.
After three state championships, Max Edwards was let go at Miami Northwestern and the Bulls paid the price, losing players and coaches.
Edwards, who was the defensive coordinator with close friend Tim “Ice” Harris this past season, was rumored by several schools to be the perfect candidate. In the end, he returned home to his alma mater earlier this week.
Miami Jackson, which has been up and down for a number of decades, may have started the turnaround when Edwards was named to take over the Generals.
Edwards is a tremendous football coach who relates to everyone. One of the most respected coaches in Florida, he brings with him years of winning experience and still has the fire it takes.
While Edwards has been the marquee off-season hires, he is not the only one.
After a year away from football, Nitro Baker, a one-time Miami Northwestern football and track standout, returns to Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. He hand built this program to a winning level over the past four years.
Miami Killian, which was 12-1 just three seasons ago under Derrick Gibson had fallen on hard times. When Rudy Trevino was hired a few weeks back, the Cougars got someone who knows the community and has tremendous relationships with the youth coaches and parents.
After nearly two decades as head coach at Plantation, the popular Steve Davis stepped aside and turned over the keys to Daryl Strong, who knows the community and is very popular with the parents and student/athletes,
Strong has helped Davis teach, coach, and promote the players, so he is indeed a great fit.
The final hire so far this off-season, with a few positions still open, is a very familiar face to football fans in south Florida.
With experience in both counties, Jase Stewart returns to Miami-Dade County, taking over at Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.
Stewart is regarded as one of the top football minds, having success at every stop he’s been at.
As new coaches pop up, we will continue to profile each one, keeping football fans up to date.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..