Paul Longo, who served as head coach of the William Floyd Colonials varsity football team for 31 years, has announced his resignation. Longo leaves as the winningest public high school football coach in Suffolk County history and is recognized for transforming the program since taking over in 1995.
Before Longo’s tenure, the Colonials had not won a playoff game. Under his leadership, the team made 26 playoff appearances, reached 21 county championship games, secured 15 Suffolk County titles, five Long Island championships, three Rutgers trophies as Suffolk’s best team, and earned a top-15 national ranking from Sports Illustrated in 2007. Longo also mentored student-athletes on and off the field.
“I feel it is time for some of the outstanding younger coaches to have the opportunity to coach the team,” said Coach 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.”
Kevin Coster, Superintendent of Schools—who leads a district serving more than 9,400 students across ten schools including William Floyd High School according to its official website—thanked Longo for his decades of service both as coach and educator.
“Paul Longo was a legendary head coach for the Colonials,” said Mr. Coster. “He was a chess master who also displayed great sportsmanship.”
Longo was known for not running up scores against opponents out of respect. Ms. Coster noted his influence: “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. I look forward to celebrating Coach Longo next year as we name Lincoln Avenue field in his honor.”
Longo’s teams set records including a 42-game winning streak from 2005-2008—the longest in Suffolk County—and an overall record of 253-67 (nearly .800 win percentage). Prior to coaching at William Floyd, he led Sachem’s ice hockey team to nine county championships.
Brian Babst, Athletic Director at William Floyd—himself a former player under Longo—praised him: “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’s honors include induction into both the William Floyd Athletic Hall of Fame (2019) and Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame (2022), along with multiple coaching awards.
His players achieved significant recognition during his tenure: three Hansen Award winners (Brock Jackolski – 2007; Stacey Bedell – 2011; Ja’Quan Thomas – 2025), plus numerous other individual awards such as Zellner Award (top lineman), Collotta Award (best linebacker), Cassese Award (best defensive back), Boomer Award (best quarterback), Joe Cipp Jr. Award (best running back), LaBue Award (outstanding scholar athlete), Paul Longo Award (best placekicker), Bryan Collins Award (best defensive end), National Football Foundation Best Receiver Award, and James Conrad Metzger Top Scholar Athlete Award.
Coach Longo expressed gratitude: “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.”
The William Floyd School District operates on New York's south shore in Suffolk County as a public K-12 system headquartered in Mastic Beach.