Longtime Floyd football coach Paul Longo steps down after 31 seasons

William Floyd High School football coach Paul Longo, the winningest public schools coach in Suffolk County history, resigned on Wednesday night after 31 seasons.

“After much thought and reflection, I submitted my resignation as the head football coach at William Floyd High School,” Longo said. “It’s time. It’s time for the younger coaches on our staff to guide the program. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity afforded me to lead this program. It has been a very successful journey. I have nothing but love and respect for our community, coaches and players, who believed in our mission every day.”

Longo, 68, said he is open to coaching again if the right opportunity presented itself.

Longo had a career record of 253-67 for a winning percentage of .791 and led Floyd to 15 Suffolk Division I titles, the most in playoff history. He also led the Colonials to five Long Island Class I championships.

“Paul Longo has been a legendary head coach for William Floyd football,” Kevin Coster, the Superintendent of Schools for the William Floyd School District said. “He leaves a legacy of success as the winningest public high school coach in Suffolk County history. More importantly, he was a mentor to countless student-athletes over the course of his 31-year head coaching career. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to celebrating him next year as we name the Lincoln Avenue field in his honor.”

Longo, who coached from 1995 to 2025, led the Colonials to 26 playoff appearances in 31 years. He guided the Colonials on a Suffolk County record 42-game winning streak from 2005-2008. They earned the Rutgers Trophy presented to Suffolk’s most outstanding team three times. And he coached three Hansen Award winners in Brock Jackolski (2007), Stacey Bedell (2011) and Ja’Quan Thomas (2025). The Hansen Award is presented to Suffolk’s most outstanding player.

“I’ve been blessed to coach and build this program over the years,” Longo said. “There’s a lot of great memories. I’ve had tremendous help with my coaches over the years, the parents and the support of our administration.”

Before Longo took over the Floyd football program, the Colonials had never won a playoff game.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Longo said. “I’m happy that I’m leaving the program at a time when they’ll continue to be very strong and as one of the best in the state.”

Longo said he could be lured back into the coaching arena if he finds the right fit.

“I’ve cherished my time at Floyd and the bonds and friendships that were formed,” Longo said. “But there are some very hard-working young coaches there that deserve a chance to be the Colonials head coach and carry the torch. And maybe there’s a program out there that could use my help – we’ll see.”

Brian Babst, Floyd’s director of athletics, was not available for comment. Floyd assistant coach Greg Amato, who played for Longo from 2013-2016, said that Longo made a difference in the community.

“He’s been a fantastic coach and been there for all of life’s battles,” Amato said. “He was there for me and my family when my father passed away in 2022. Both my brothers Ryan and Derek also loved playing for Coach Longo. He’s a difference maker in people’s lives. He does a lot behind the scenes that he doesn’t even talk about.”

By Gregg Sarra

gregg.sarra@newsday.com@Gregg_Sarra

Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.