Once again, it has been a busy off-season in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties with numerous player transfers.
While student/athletes are going from one school to the next, there is that usual movement of head football coaches – with several programs naming replacements.
COLON TAKES OVER AT MIAMI HIGH
When Dorrean James stepped aside last month at Miami High, it left a void at this tradition-rich school, which has been looking to turn things around.
On Monday, Athletic Director Leonard Graham and the administration filled the vacancy with the hiring of a familiar name to south Florida football fans when Pat Colon was selected to lead this program.
Colon brings over two decades of coaching experience and a strong track record of leadership, player development, and program building. His coaching principles is grounded in the holistic development of student-athletes—cultivating not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement, personal responsibility, and disciplined character.
“This is a situation that I have waited for,” he said. “A program with a great history that has a strong academic and athletic presence in the state of Florida.”
Colon previously served as the head football coach at North Miami from 2017 to 2021, leading the program to playoff appearances in each of his first two seasons. His leadership extends beyond the head coaching role, having held numerous defensive coordinator positions at prominent South Florida programs including Carol City, Norland, Edison, North Miami, and Miami Springs. Across each tenure, he has consistently fostered competitive, high-character teams known for their discipline, effort, and resilience.
“I know the landscape of south Florida when it comes to football extremely well,” Colon explained. “We are in a competitive district and there will be some challenges, but I believe that over the next few years we can lay a solid foundation – competing year-round and giving our athletes every opportunity to succeed, on and off the playing field.”
Colon’s coaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that sustained success is built on the pillars of commitment, discipline, and relentless effort. A dedicated mentor, Colon has played a pivotal role in the development of countless athletes who have advanced to the collegiate and professional levels. Notable among them are Deandre Wilder (University of Miami), Rashad Fenton (University of South Carolina / Kansas City Chiefs), and Carlton Davis III (Auburn University/New England Patriots).
Coach Colon is a proud alumnus of Kentucky State University, where he earned varsity letters as a defensive back under the guidance of esteemed coach Wesley McGriff (Auburn). Academically, he holds degrees in Elementary Education and Mental Health Counseling, complemented by certifications in reading and special education—further demonstrating his commitment to the intellectual and emotional development of the student-athlete.
With deep-rooted values in equity, perseverance, and team unity, Colon is eager to cultivate a hard-working, competitive, inclusive, and family-centered football culture at Miami High.
COACHING CHANGES CONTINUE IN MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD
While Colon is the newest head coach to be named, he is not alone.
Miami-Dade’s new faces include Pat Burrows (Homestead South Dade), Derrick Gibson (Miami Central), Tim “Ice” Harris, Sr. (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Dorrean James (Miami Booker T. Washington), Derick Murdock (Coral Gables), and Pedro Neiva (Miami Varela).
Broward County also has some quality coaches who will look to elevate their programs. Among those are
Darryl Bethune (Hollywood South Broward), Robert Ortega (Hollywood McArthur), Jake Pew (Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Ed Therrimann (Coral Springs Taravella), J.T. Thomas (Deerfield Beach), and Carl Toussaint (Pembroke Pines Charter).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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