Pensacola Catholic’s Adams steps down after guiding Crusaders to success in eight seasons

Pensacola Catholic head football coach Matt Adams announced his resignation Wednesday after 20 years with the program in various roles, Ben Gerico of the Pensacola News Journal reported on Wednesday.

Adams, a Pensacola Catholic alum, was a standout quarterback for the Crusaders before graduating in 2000 and serving as the head coach since the 2017 season is taking a step back after eight years. Adams became the head coach after serving as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach under previous head coach Greg Seibert. 

Adams said he is stepping down to spend more time with his family.

“I don’t know if there is ever a right time. I’m sad to go, but also it was good timing with my family to step back and spend some more time with them,” Adams told the Pensacola News Journal. “It’s a great school. I love the administration. A lot of my closest friends are there now, or were there, so I’ve had a lot of great relationships. It’s been a big part of my life, but I’m glad I’ll still get to be part of the school community.”

The biggest success for Adams came in 2023 when the Crusaders reached the playoffs and came close to reaching the Class 2S State Championship game that ended in a stunning overtime loss at Bradford (Starke) in the state semifinals.

Adams will remain at the school as the director of facilities and events at Pensacola Catholic.

No timeline has been set as to when Pensacola Catholic will hire its next head coach.