Paul Longo, the longtime head coach of the William Floyd Colonials varsity football team and the winningest public high school coach in Suffolk County history, has stepped down, leaving a legacy in the annals of Long Island high school football history that will live on for generations.
When Coach Longo took over the varsity football program in 1995, the Colonials had not won a playoff game. That changed over the course of his 31-year tenure, as he led the green and white to 26 playoff appearances, 21 county championship games, 15 Suffolk County titles, five Long Island championships, three Rutgers trophies as the best team in Suffolk County, one top 15 national ranking (Sports Illustrated, 2007), and more importantly, mentoring countless young men to put forth their best in football and in life.
“I feel it is time for some of the outstanding younger coaches to have the opportunity to coach the team,” said Longo. He added that he is leaving with a really strong program in place and that it will be in good hands with the younger coaches.
“I have been blessed and had the good fortune of being the head varsity football coach at William Floyd High School for 31 years. I am thankful and honored for all the support from the entire William Floyd community,” Longo said.
Kevin Coster, superintendent of schools, thanked Longo for his many years of dedicated service to the William Floyd school community, including 30 years as a guidance counselor at William Paca Middle School, three years as a dean of students at William Floyd High School, and 31 years leading the varsity football program.
“Paul Longo was a legendary head coach for the Colonials,” said Coster. “He was a chess master who also displayed great sportsmanship.”
Longo would often sit his starters at halftime with the game out of reach for the opponents, so as not to run up the score, as a sign of respect to opposing coaches and their student-athletes.
“The culture that he created and the sense of pride he brought to William Floyd football in our community and across Long Island was second-to-none,” Coster added. “I look forward to celebrating Coach Longo next year as we name Lincoln Avenue field in his honor.”
His 42-game winning streak (2005-2008) still remains as the longest winning streak in Suffolk County. His overall record was 253-67, a winning percentage of nearly .800.
Before he began his coaching career at William Floyd, Longo served as the head ice hockey coach at Sachem, winning nine county championships in that role.
Brian Babst, William Floyd athletic director, who played for the Colonials under Longo from 1995-1997 and coached alongside him from 2002-2013, expressed gratitude for his service to the district and community. He knows firsthand the impact that he has had on students and the entire William Floyd community. “Coach Longo has been an amazing head coach and mentor. He has built a tremendous legacy and is leaving a strong program that will look to continue that winning tradition.”
Longo is a member of the William Floyd Athletic Hall of Fame (Class of 2019) and the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame (2022). He has won three Suffolk County “Coach of the Year” awards and 19 Division I “Coach of the Year” honors.
Under his tutelage, William Floyd student-athletes have won countless awards including three Hansen Award winners as the best player in Suffolk County: Brock Jackolski (2007), Stacey Bedell (2011) and Ja’Quan Thomas (2025).
Additionally, during his tenure there have been numerous Suffolk County best player awards including: five Zellner Award winners (top lineman), four Collotta Award winners (best linebacker), three Cassese Award winners (best defensive back), two Boomer Award winners (best quarterback), two Joe Cipp Jr. Award winners (best running back), one LaBue Award winner (outstanding scholar athlete), one, two-time Paul Longo Award winner (best placekicker), one Bryan Collins Award winner (best defensive end), one National Football Foundation Best Receiver Award, and one James Conrad Metzger Top Scholar Athlete Award presented by the National Football Foundation.
Coach Longo added, “I want to thank all the coaches, administrators and support staff who have supported me all these years. But most of all, the players who left their heart and soul on the field and made us so proud. I will never forget the great wins and championships, but most of all, the bonds we formed. I will always love William Floyd and be the biggest William Floyd fan.”
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