Pete Friedman has been appointed as the new head coach of the William Floyd High School Colonials varsity football team. He succeeds Paul Longo, who is recognized as the winningest coach in Suffolk County history.
Friedman has served for 19 years as an assistant coach under Longo and currently holds the position of chairperson of Athletics, Physical Education, Health & Family Consumer Sciences at William Floyd. Over his 27-year coaching career, he has helped lead teams to significant achievements including 14 appearances in the Suffolk County Championship game, 12 county titles, five Long Island championships, and three Rutgers trophies for being the best team in Suffolk County. Notably, he was part of a team that achieved a then Long Island-record 42-game winning streak from 2005 to 2008 and ranked in the top 20 nationally in 2007.
Friedman began coaching at Northport in 1999 before joining William Floyd as head coach of the William Paca Middle School football team a year later. In 2001, he became an assistant coach on the varsity staff and contributed to securing the program’s first Suffolk County Championship title.
During his time with the varsity squad, Friedman held several roles including coaching defense alongside coordinator Gil DeCicco and working with receivers and special teams.
His experience extends beyond football. As head coach for boys' lacrosse at Paca, he led them to their only undefeated season across all levels. He also guided the girls’ varsity lacrosse program to its first playoff appearance and reached division championships in both 2010 and 2011. In addition, Friedman was inaugural coach for the girls’ flag football team in 2023, leading them to a successful season with a playoff berth. He also coaches the Long Island Yellow Jackets girls’ club lacrosse team which has won two national titles.
“I am honored to be selected as the next head coach of this storied football program and will look to continue to lead with respect and passion, and, use my knowledge of the game, and of coaching, that has been forged over the past 27 years,” said Friedman. “I have learned what works and what doesn’t, and will apply that knowledge to help the program flourish.”
Friedman is assembling a coaching staff that may include former colleagues as he aims to maintain William Floyd’s tradition established by Coach Longo over more than three decades.
“Following in the footsteps of a coaching legend is a challenge for anyone,” said Brian Babst, athletic director at William Floyd School District. “However, Coach Friedman will serve the program, our community, and the student-athletes well in this new role. I know that he will carry on the winning tradition that Floyd has come to expect out of the football program.”
The William Floyd School District operates ten schools serving over 9,400 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district emphasizes collaboration among students, parents, educators and community members for comprehensive student development across academic and extracurricular activities.
The district is also recognized for producing alumni noted for their contributions in scholarships, education leadership and community service (source). It has received accolades for its music education programs as well as recognition from state business educators (source).