Lee County High School Football Program Restructured

News Summary

The East Lee County High School football program embarks on a new chapter as head coach Herbans Paul departs and Steve Howard steps in. With a notable track record, Paul leaves behind a legacy of back-to-back winning seasons. Meanwhile, Howard, known for his resilience at Ida Baker High School, is ready to lead the team as their new head coach. Amid circuitous changes, the athletics department welcomes Brent Burnside as the new athletic director, promising an invigorating future for the sports community.

East Lee County High School Football Program Undergoes Exciting Changes!

In the vibrant community of East Lee County, football season is stirring up some buzz as the local high school football program experiences a significant reshuffle in its leadership. With the departure of head coach Herbans Paul and the introduction of Steve Howard as the new head coach, there’s so much to discuss about the team’s future!

Farewell to Coach Paul

After three memorable seasons, Herbans Paul has decided to hang up his coaching hat at East Lee County High School. Paul, who wowed fans as a defensive back at Florida State, is moving on to take up a head coaching position at Gibbs High School located in St. Petersburg. Under Paul’s guidance, the team managed to celebrate back-to-back winning seasons, racking up 5 victories each year. This improvement marked a noticeable turnaround for a program that had seen a rocky patch before his arrival, with only a combined total of eight wins over the previous five seasons!

While the reasons behind his departure are shrouded in mystery, Paul did give a little nod on social media, sharing a Gibbs graphic with a caption that playfully referenced a Jay-Z song. It seems he is excited about this new chapter in his coaching career!

Meet the New Coach Howard

East Lee County didn’t waste any time in finding a new leader for their team. Steve Howard, a familiar face from Ida Baker High School, is stepping up as the new head coach. Howard brings with him a wealth of coaching experience, having taken on various roles, including a stint as defensive coordinator at Immokalee High School.

Interestingly, Howard faced challenges at Ida Baker, where his teams went 0-20 during his first two seasons. However, the tides turned as the Jaguars turned around to achieve two consecutive .500 seasons with 5 wins and 5 losses each year—showing great resilience and determination!

Golden Gate’s Coaching Changes & Suspensions

Golden Gate High School, there are also some recent developments that have caught everyone’s attention. Their head coach, Nick Bigica, has faced a six-game suspension following violations related to player recruiting rules. Additionally, the defensive coordinator P.J. Gibbs has been suspended for two games.

These suspensions are self-imposed as the school investigates improper recruiting contacts. Thankfully, both coaches will still be able to practice with the team throughout their suspension period, ensuring the players remain prepared for the upcoming games.

Interim Head Coach Takes Charge

As Bigica takes a step back, Tommy Kleinmeyer, the co-offensive coordinator, will don the hat of interim head coach for the remainder of the season. With a team standing strong with a record of 4-2, they are pushing hard toward clinching their very first district title under Bigica’s vision. It’s worth noting that this is the second time in two years Golden Gate’s athletics have faced a hiccup, having previously forfeited twelve soccer games due to a clerical mix-up.

A Bright Future for East Lee County Athletics

Amidst all these changes, the East Lee County athletics department is getting a fresh start with the appointment of Brent Burnside as the new athletic director. Burnside, who served as an assistant football coach, is committed to elevating all sports at the school, seeing the vast untapped potential the student-athletes have. He has received praise for his organizational skills and strong relationships with the players.

Exciting transformations are on the horizon, and the East Lee County community is eagerly looking forward to the bright new era in high school sports. With the new coaching staff and a positive vision for the athletics program, it’s an exciting time to be a fan and supporter of East Lee County High School football!