This past week, Suffolk County football fans and more so the William Floyd football family received news that long-time coach Paul Longo had handed in his resignation letter. After 31 seasons at the helm of a major ship and successful program in Suffolk County, his playbook and headset will be passed on to someone else. Many were also left scratching their heads at such sudden and unexpected news.
Coach Paul Longo took over the William Floyd football program in 1995. Up until that point, the Colonials had never won a playoff game, ever. In the past 31 seasons Longo has completely turned an upside-down program into a powerhouse, not only by what is done on the field in the fall months but by all of the unseen work that he and his players put in all year round.
William Floyd has since had 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). In addition, Longo is the most winning coach in Suffolk County history with an overall record of 253-67, a winning percentage of nearly .800. His 42-game winning streak (2005-2008) still remains as the longest winning streak in Suffolk County.
He was inducted into the Suffolk County Football Hall of Fame in 2021. He has built Floyd a football program to be proud of and that the community can rally around. From the varsity right down to the youth football league.
Coach Longo hasn’t only had success coaching football though. Prior to taking over the top spot as coach of the Colonials, Longo coached hockey at Sachem where he won nine Suffolk County championships and back-to-back New York State championships. He is a mastermind in sports and has a chess-like approach that is always thinking a few plays ahead.
He used football to mentor thousands of kids and young men. Waking up early, being disciplined, working harder than the opponents in the weight room and on speed drills. Keeping up good grades inside the classroom while also exercising sportsmanship and respect both on and off the field. These are all qualities that Coach Longo passed down into his players, whether they were stars or kids who didn’t see the field much. He used this program to redirect thousands of lives. The school district has already stated that the Lincoln football complex will be named after him sometime this year.
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.”
(Photos are courtesy of William Floyd School District)
