COACHING NEWS: University (Orlando) and Leesburg coaches step down

The Original Coaches Moving Van is making more stops around the state, especially in Central Florida as two more schools have openings including one from a team that reached the playoffs this season under a first-year head coach.

Barrett steps down at University (Orlando)

Late on Friday afternoon, University (Orlando) posted a classified advertisement seeking the position of head coach on FHSAA classifieds, indicating Mark Barrett was no longer the head coach. When reached by FloridaHSFootball.com via message on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Barrett indicated that he stepped down as head coach after two seasons with the Cougars to spend more time with family.

In a statement provide to FloridaHSFootball.com he stated he was proud of the work he was able to do with the program and had nothing but good things to say about the school:

“I stepped down to spend more time with my family. We have a newborn and that led me to re-prioritize some things. I’m also going back to get my Masters with the intention of going into administration. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about University High School. The administration has supported us since we got there. I’m proud of my players and coaches and appreciate their commitment and hard work,” Barrett said.

Barrett was 4-16 in his two seasons as the head coach and marks the 21st head coaching change on The 2024 Original Florida Coaches Moving Van, which you can view by clicking here.

University is accepting applications for their next head coach through Fri. Dec. 1, 2023.

Moffett steps down at Leesburg after one season

In a shocker of news events, Stephen Moffett is stepping down at Leesburg after one season and guiding the Yellow Jackets to a 9-1 regular season with a playoff berth that was capped off with a playoff win and a trip to the regional semifinals finishing the season 10-2 overall.

As first, reported by Andy Villamarzo at SBLive Florida, Moffett stepped down with some indication that he could be on the move to another school with a similar position.

The Yellow Jackets which were 2-8 in 2022 saw one of Florida’s most drastic improvements by any team in the state in just a one-year turnaround. The change at Leesburg will mark the team having their third head coach in three seasons come the 2024 season.

Moffett’s resignation marks the 22nd head coaching change to go on to The 2024 Original Florida Coaches Moving Van, which you can view by clicking here.

FORUMS DISCUSSION: Discuss all the coaching changes on the official thread for the The 2024 Original Florida Coaches Moving Van by clicking here.