DeLand High Welcomes New Football Coach

DeLand, FL – A coach with a stellar football record is now set to become the new coach of the DeLand High School Bulldogs. Coach Rick Darlington—a Stetson University graduate—took over the Wildcats after the team had posted 2-8 records back to back in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. After taking over, Darlington led the Wildcats to the playoffs in each of his three seasons with the team. Beyond that, the team reached the Elite 8, led the entire State of Alabama in rushing, and was third overall in their class in both scoring—with 41 points per game—and total offense—428 yards per game. 24 years out of his 26-year career, Darlington had earned a spot in the playoffs. In total, throughout his career in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, Darlington had amassed 40 playoff victories with a career coaching record of 234-87. Most notably, as head coach at Apopka High, Darlington built a championship program on two separate stints totaling 17 seasons. That led to a record of 167-47, with three state championships, seven regional championships, and 30 playoff wins. Darlington is married to his wife of 30 years, Shelly, who is a former cheerleader for the University of Oklahoma. Between them, the couple has seven kids—four boys, three girls. Darlington is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His oldest son, Ty, is also a coach with the University of Oklahoma.