A former mentor of an NFL quarterback was named new head coach at Colonial High School on Wednesday.
Donny Hodges, an Orange County assistant coach during five stops since 2003, replaces Clint Johnson after just one season. He takes over a program that’s gone 8-31 the past four years and 20-79 since 2007.
Hodges oversaw the development of Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian as an offensive coordinator and position coach at Olympia.
He also helped run offenses at Freedom, Jones and Lake Highland Prep before spending the past two years as defensive backs coach at Boone.
“Donny brings a great deal of experience, knowledge of the game, and a great work ethic with him,” Colonial athletic director Andrew Hamre said in a press release.
“I have had the chance to work alongside Coach Hodges and know of his work first hand. Donny has a great football mind, but more importantly he understands young players of today and how to elevate their skills.”
The University of Florida grad and Plant City native inherits a team that finished 2-7 last year, highlighted by a 15-14 come-from-behind win on the road against rival Orlando University.
jcarnahan@orlandosentinel.com
