Thursday, July 16, 2009

Bulldogs Get New Head Football Coach

By Clint Cox
Marianna High School Principal Mary Sue Neves has announced the hiring of Steve DeWitt as the new Head Football Coach at Marianna High School. DeWitt will replace Rob Armstrong who recently accepted the Head Coaching job at Chipley High School. Armstrong had been at Marianna for the past two seasons.
DeWitt is no stranger to Marianna football. He is a 1982 graduate of Marianna High School and played quarterback for the Bulldogs football program. After attending Chipola Jr. College and the University of West Florida DeWitt joined the military. When he got out of the military he finished his education at Florida State University. His first coaching stint was at Graceville High School where he served as an assistant football coach during the 1998 – 2000 football seasons. In 2001 he came back home to Marianna and has served as an assistant football coach for the past 8 seasons. For the past three seasons he has served as the Offensive Coordinator. He has served as the Athletic Director for the past three years and indicated that he will continue in that role.
Armstrong brought the Wing T offense to Marianna two years ago and it has proved successful, as the Bulldogs have produced back to back winning seasons and made the playoffs both years. DeWitt said he does not plan to tinker with the offense. “We are going to stay with the Wing T. I’ve always liked to throw the ball but the past two years has sold me on the Wing T. I know that it may not always be the most fun offense to watch but we’ve been successful with it and the kids know the system,” said DeWitt. The 2009 Bulldogs look to have a solid squad with skilled players such as Fidel Montgomery, Tre Long, RJ Bowers and Chris Bowers returning. Throw in some experience in the trenches with the likes of Dalton Bennett, Tommy Stephens and Brandon Hughes, and you have the making of a pretty good squad. One of his primary initial tasks is to try and replace offensive line coach Adam Gray, who departed to coach at Lowndes County. At this late stage that may be difficult but DeWitt said they will work hard to find a line coach.
Returning to coach at one’s alma mater is always something special. DeWitt is eager to take the helm at Marianna. “It’s a privilege to have this opportunity. I’ve always wanted to be a head coach but the timing just never seemed right. This seems to be the right opportunity and as a Marianna graduate I am excited. I look forward to the challenge,” said DeWitt. DeWitt and his wife Becky have one son, Adam, who attends Marianna High.

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