Top Florida high school football coach steps down after state semifinal appearance in 2024

Coming off a state semifinal appearance in the Florida 5A high school football playoffs, Niceville High is in the market for a new head coach.

On Wednesday, Eagles coach Grant Thompson announced that he was stepping down from his position after six seasons. No reason was given for his departure, but according to the Northwest Florida Daily News’ Seth Stringer, there’s no extenuating circumstances surrounding Thompson’s exit.

During his six-year tenure with the program, Thompson led Niceville to a 64-10 mark and two state semifinal appearances.

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— Grant Thompson (@FLCoachT) March 5, 2025

“To the Niceville Football Family, I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Head Football Coach. These past six years have been some of the best of my life,” he wrote in a statement posted to X. “Having the opportunity to lead this program-the same one I grew up cheering for-has been an absolute honor. Calling it a dream job doesn’t even begin to describe it. Over the last six years, we’ve celebrated 60+ wins, built lifelong relationships, and worked alongside some truly incredible people. It has been a blessing to be part of this journey.

To our incredible administration and teachers: Thank you for your unwavering support. Okaloosa County is home to some of the best educational leaders in the state, and I am especially grateful to
Mr. Chambers and Mr. Marello for their mentorship throughout my time here. To my coaching staff: You are the heart of this program. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to these young men inspire me every day. There is no better group of coaches outthere, and I am forever grateful to have worked alongside you. To my players: Thank you for this wonderful experience. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have made every moment worth it. Watching you grow as athletes and as young men has been the greatest privilege of my career. To my family-Molly, Caleb, Hally, and my parents: Thank you for your endless support and sacrifice throughout this journey. I could not have done it without you.

Though my time as head coach is coming to an end, the Flyin’ N will always be a part of me.
Niceville Football will forever have my heart.”

Eagles will look to keep momentum going under new staff

Niceville has been one of the Sunshine State’s perennial contenders over the past decade, both under Thompson and previous head coach John Hicks.

They finished 12-2 in 2024 and fell just short of a state championship game appearance, losing to Lakeland 34-33 in overtime.

Thompson also led them to a Final Four berth and 12-1 season in 2019, while Hicks helmed teams that made the finals and semifinals in back-to-back years in 2013 and 2014.