5 things we learned from Teddy Bridgewater’s hiring at Miami Northwestern

We give five things we have learned since Bridgewater’s hiring at his alma mater

It’s been over a week since Miami Northwestern announced officially the appointment of former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as the program’s next head football coach and there’s been plenty to dissect from all this. 

The Bulls are Bridgewater’s alma mater and with him retiring from the NFL, it has been a forgone conclusion for a couple months this was going to become reality. 

We want to take a deeper dive now into five things we have learned since Bridgewater was named the head coach of his old stomping grounds in Miami. 

Teddy Bridgewater named head football coach at Miami Northwestern High School

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1. His impact is beyond the football field 

There’s no debate on what Teddy Bridgewater means to high school football down in South Florida and neighboring communities. Whether it’s Bridgewater making his appearance at Traz Powell Stadium to watch a game on a Friday night or taking part in a community service event, he’s always had a major hand in everything when it comes to South Florida. 

The City of Miami Gardens honored Bridgewater last year by naming the football field at Bunche Park ‘Teddy Bridgewater Field’ for all of his accomplishments and giving back to the community.

"Outside of that, I'm Theodore Bridgewater, so it just put everything into perspective, and it really helped me not even have to think about not being a starter [anymore],” Bridgewater said. “It's like, 'Man, I still got purpose.' And my purpose is bigger than the game of football. Football is just a platform that I have."

2. He's going to have a top notch coaching staff

If you thought Bridgewater was going to arrive at Miami Northwestern empty handed when it came to a coaching staff, you would be surely mistaken. The former NFL quarterback has started to name some of his coaches and the names are impressive. 

Former Baltimore Ravens’ safety Matt Elam has been tabbed as the team’s safeties coach and that seems to be just the start of what is expected to be a star-studded staff all the way around. 

However this all comes together, the expectations are Northwestern will have one of the best coaching staffs in South Florida. 

3. Bulls have seen an influx of transfers come their way

With anticipation of Bridgewater coming to Northwestern to become the head coach, it’s obvious word got out among players in South Florida based on how transfers have begun to filter in from everywhere. 

Going down the line of players that have already transferred in, Bridgewater will not lack for talent this spring when he begins his tenure at his alma mater. 

Sophomore quarterback Florentino Lopez has transferred in from McArthur and junior running back King Davis has come back from Miami Central. Both players could be staples on the Bulls’ offense this upcoming season. 

4. Expectations will be high heading into the 2024 season

It’s tough saying a football program with seven state championships can really sneak up anyone around the state, but last season was a tough one for the Bulls. 

This time around, however, Miami Northwestern isn’t going to be a team anyone wants to see come summer/fall time. Northwestern has obviously seen plenty of transfers come in plus the talent already returning from last season. 

All that considered, the Bulls are going to be a darkhorse state championship contending football program next season. Yes, there’s the likes of rival Miami Central and Miami Norland plus others, but Northwestern will be on everyone’s radar. 

5. Restoring pride at Northwestern already occurring 

School pride for a program that’s seen so much success over the course of time like Northwestern has had, you would think it’s always at an all-time high. 

Following a below .500 record season, restoring the pride for the Bulls is something Bridgewater and the school are going to work hard at bringing back. 

Yes, Northwestern has won seven state championships and everyone knows of the school’s history, but having renewed pride in what they’ve done and a potentially going to do means a lot to the community. 

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl