Mark Whittemore returns to Buchholz after one season hiatus: Report

Whittemore coached the Bobcats for 27 years before stepping down after the 2022 season

One year away from high school football was enough for Mark Whittemore. 

According to report by the Gainesville Sun’s Noah Ram, Whittemore has returned to Buchholz to be the program’s head coach and Chuck Bell will step down to be the school’s defensive coordinator. 

Bell was previously Whittemore’s defensive coordinator before accepting the head coaching position after latter’s departure. 

Per Ram’s report, Whittemore informed the school on Friday of his decision to return and told the team on Tuesday. 

“Buchholz would like to extend its appreciation to Coach Chuck Bell for his efforts and success leading our football program over the last year,” Buchholz Athletic Director Ron Brooks said in a statement per Ram’s report. “We are excited to have such a strong coaching staff as we continue to carry on the Buchholz tradition of football excellence.”

Whittemore served as the head coach at Buchholz since 2012 and has won 78 games since he took the job. 

After the 2022 season, Whittemore was just coming off a deep postseason run, guiding the Bobcats to the Class 4S state semifinal before falling 42-35 on the road to Venice. 

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