Middleton made its new football coach hiring official Friday afternoon, selecting Jeff George Jr.
George is a former assistant head coach/defensive coordinator for the Polish professional team and league champion Gdynia Seahawks. George also was an assistant high school coach at First Coast in Jacksonville as well as Beloit College in Wisconsin.
“He came to us with great enthusiasm and drive, and we were impressed with his knowledge of the game and care for students and young men,” Tigers athletic director Ron Thompson said.
George replaces Alonzo Ashwood — who went 4-26 in three seasons — and will not immediately move into a teaching position.
“Middleton has a great tradition,” George said. “When I interviewed, I could tell the administration wanted to build a program the right way.”
George, the son of former Tampa Bay Bandit defensive back Jeff George Sr., brings aboard former Carrollwood Day assistant coach Ed Schenk to be offensive coordinator. Schenk helped the Patriots to back-to-back playoff appearances while at CDS. The Tigers last made the postseason in 2005.