This is a developing story, we will update as new information comes into the newsroom.
Niceville Head Football Coach Richard Morgan is out as the head Eagle – Niceville Principal Charlie Marello confirmed Tuesday.
Morgan, who went 6-5 with a first-round playoff loss to Ponte Vedra in an epic overtime contest, leaves after just a year in the seat. It marks the shortest tenure of a head coach of the Eagles in at least a quarter-century.
“We are grateful to Coach Morgan for his time, leadership and dedication poured into our student athletes at NHS. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors,” Marello said in a statement to Mid Bay News. “Niceville High School has a storied tradition of excellence on the football field and Friday Night Lights are a cherished part of our school and community. We are committed to upholding that tradition and will begin evaluating the path forward as we search for our next head football coach.”
The Eagles will face the gauntlet with whomever they select as their next leader. Games at home include games against Mosley (who defeated the Eagles at home in overtime last year), at Choctaw (who shellacked Niceville at home in 2025), Pace (who has a tier-1 runningback in Mikael Williams), as well as two games in Alabama against Prattville and Hoover.
Niceville City Councilman and Eagles QB Club President Heath Rominger said “I’m deeply saddened to hear of Coach Morgan’s departure. I was looking forward to his leadership in the continuation of excellence for the Eagles – he made a huge impact on the kids and looked poised to continue that tradition of excellence we have here at Niceville.”
Rominger added that he believes Adron Robinson is likely a strong candidate for inclusion in the head coach search. “He was on the ‘88 state championship team as an impact player on both sides of the ball. Not only was he a mainstay on the field – but he has shown his commitment to our kids and this program through his many years of service on the Eagles’ sideline.”
Niceville will have just a couple of months to find a new coach, bring them in to build a battle plan, and report with the players and then kick off the new season in August.
For Principal Charlie Marello, who makes the ultimate decision, that will mean finding the right person for the job. Last time around – this time last year, Marello was aided by input from a committee of community leaders and alumni. Likely, there will be a similar situation this year.
RELATED: Niceville hires new football coach after resignation of Thompson
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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