By Kyle LoJacono
Tchecoy Blount will not return as Freedom’s football coach next season following his resignation on Jan. 11.
Patriots athletic director Elijah Thomas said he and principal Chris Farkas “wanted to go in a different direction” with the program.
“Coach Blount has been with the program for a long time and we’re thankful for what he’s done here,” Thomas said. “After talking with coach after the break we all decided it was best to part ways.”
Blount said he wanted the chance to stay with the program, but decided stepping down was the best option after listening to school administration. He will stay at Freedom as an exceptional student education instructor.
“I know I want to coach again,” Blount said. “I’m going to take some time to talk about things with my family and see what’s the best thing right now.”
Blount’s time with the Patriots’ program goes back seven years when he became an assistant. He took over as the fifth coach in program history for the 2010 season.
Freedom amassed a 6-14 record under Blount, including a 2-8 campaign in 2011. The Patriots went 2-3 in Class 7A-District 7 play last year with victories over Wiregrass Ranch and Chamberlain.
Blount grew up in St. Petersburg and graduated from the University of South Florida where he played defensive end.
Thomas said the coaching position will be advertised soon and he wants a new coach in place by the time spring practice begins in May.
