Florida high school football coaching updates: Richard Tate returns to Ridge Community for third stint as head coach

Also in other coaching news, Citrus has tabbed Pasco assistant coach Joshua Ross as the program’s next head coach

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. 

Richard Tate returns to Ridge Community for a third time as head coach

Third time is the charm they say.

When it comes to coming back to a high school you’re familiar with, that’s the connection between Richard Tate and the Ridge Community Bolts football program.

On Wednesday, Tate returned to the very program he started back in 2005. He will leave Bartow as the head coach to take the Ridge Community job. Tate served as the Yellow Jackets head coach for 4 seasons, compiling a record of 23-18.

It’s a surprising move for a program that back in 2018 decided to part ways with the founder of Bolts’ football. Tate coached a total of 11 seasons at Ridge Community, holding a record of 49-37 when he was ousted.

Tate takes over the program after Carl White stepped away to take the Winter Haven job last month. White went 5-4 last season at Ridge Community in his lone campaign as head coach. 

We have been told Bartow’s Richard Tate has been hired as Head Coach at Ridge Community High School which would be his second stint with the program. @DylanOliver23 @H2_Recruiting @RoyFuoco @Andy_Villamarzo

— PolkWay (@polk_way) February 8, 2023

Former Pasco High School assistant Joshua Ross named Citrus head coach

When Citrus High School looked for its new lead man, that didn’t have to go too far to find him. 

Joshua Ross, an assistant coach at Pasco High School in 2022, was named the Hurricanes’ next head coach on Tuesday. Ross coached the quarterbacks and headed up the Pirates’ strength and conditioning. Pasco went 9-2 last season after going 0-10 in 2021. 

“Tremendously excited to be the Head Football Coach at Citrus High School,” Ross said. “While Citrus has had some struggles recently, they have a proven culture of toughness and effort. I look to add to that with my unique experience and help guide this program to the next level. I am from the area as a Hernando High alum so it really feels like home. My goal is to create a culture that the athletes can thrive in and the community can be proud of.”

Ross succeeded McKinley Franklin, who stepped down as head coach back in November. Franklin went 14-25 after three seasons at the helm. Citrus had a trying campaign this past year, going 1-9 under Franklin. 

"CHS is excited to have Coach Ross contribute to our culture and deep rooted history,” Citrus principal Mark Kahler said. “His knowledge of the game and his enthusiasm for helping our student athletes become better men both on and off the field align with our core values. We are thrilled to have him help move our program forward." 

Other coaching changes (hirings/resignations) around the state 

Carol City High School: Derrick Baker (hiring) 

Deltona High School: Jeff Smothers (resignation)

Evans High School: Kenard Lang (resignation) 

Gibbs High School: Emerson Clarke (hiring) 

Lake Nona High School: Jason Robinson (resignation) 

Seabreeze High School: Pat Brown (resignation) 

Stoneman Douglas High School: Keith Hindsley (hiring) 

Tocoi Creek High School: Mike Kolakowski (retired) 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.