Douglas Eagles’ Coach Dean Florio Out After 14 Years

The Douglas Eagles have been one of the most successful high school baseball programs in the state for the past decade, but this year the wheels fell off after Head Coach Dean Florio was suspended for a violation he claims he did not commit.

The on-field incident with umpire Ken Maurer on April 8th in a game against district rival Coral Springs led to a six-week suspension from the FHSAA, and increased tension between Florio and the administration at Douglas. Now, that tension has caused the school to turn in a different direction.

Florio was informed this morning that the school would not be renewing his contract as head baseball coach. It is a bitter ending to a season that saw the Eagles start 16-0 under Florio, gaining a national number two ranking in the process.

After Florio was ejected and subsequently suspended, Douglas lost four of their last five games, including a district quarter-final loss to Deerfield. The coach was not shocked when he was told Tuesday he would not be returning.

“I had a feeling this day was coming one way or another after I learned my school was not appealing my suspension for an act that I have denied since day one,” said Florio.

“I feel every known fact would have helped me in my appeal and I would have been back on the field with my players. I haven’t been happy since that day, and I felt betrayed by a school I’ve given my heart to for fourteen years.”

Florio did more than just give his heart. The now-former Eagles coach amassed a 271-115 record, and won seven district titles in his fourteen years. His team made it into regional play in ten of the past eleven seasons. In addition, over fifty-six players have received college scholarships in Florio’s time as head coach, and thirteen players were drafted by Major League Baseball teams.

Florio has left big shoes to fill for the next coach of Douglas. The school is not yet prepared to name that coach, but they did offer this statement.

“We will be moving in another direction,” said Douglas Athletic Director Mitch Kaufman. “There is no timetable for hiring a new coach, but we will begin taking applications in the next week, and hope to conduct interviews soon.”

Rick Duteau contributed to this article.

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