Coach Greg Thomas is stepping down as the head football coach at Choctawhatchee High School after 13 years at the helm.

“I am grateful for the energy and effort Coach Thomas has invested in the student athletes at Choctaw as both a coach and an athletic director,” said Principal Michelle Heck. “His coaching career has spanned 33 years and it has been nothing short of incredible and impactful in so many athletes’ lives.”

“I am looking forward to working through the process of hiring the next Head Football Coach for Choctaw. The process will begin soon and should be completed by March. I certainly want to have our new coach named and in place well before Spring Football begins.”

Last year, at the recommendation of Superintendent Chambers, the Okaloosa School Board approved changes to the High School Athletic Director job description that removed Head Football Coach responsibilities.

Going forward, the Head Football Coach is now an instructional position with classroom teaching responsibilities. And, since the Athletic Director position is no longer tied to coaching football, it can attract a wider range of qualified applicants.

According to a statement from the OCSD, Coach Thomas will continue to handle the administrative duties of Athletic Director during the second semester. He would then be eligible to apply and interview for the Athletic Director position for the 2021-2022 school year.