There is a familiar face stepping into the role of new head coach at William Floyd High School. While it is never easy replacing a legend like former coach Paul Longo, the district has named a successor who will continue the program’s long-standing tradition of excellence. Pete Friedman, who served as an assistant coach under Longo for 19 years, will take over as the new head coach of the William Floyd High School Colonials varsity football team.
Friedman currently serves as the chairperson of Athletics, Physical Education, Health, and Family and Consumer Sciences at William Floyd and brings with him 27 years of coaching experience. Of those, 19 seasons were spent as a varsity assistant football coach under Longo from 2001 through 2019. Friedman was far more than a single-position coordinator, as he helped guide student-athletes in all facets of the game, including offense, defense, and special teams. His constant presence on the sidelines and deep familiarity with the program should make the transition a smooth one.
Friedman began his coaching career in 1999 at Northport before joining William Floyd one year later as the head coach of the William Paca Middle School football team. In 2001, he joined the varsity staff as an assistant coach and immediately helped lead the Colonials to their first Suffolk County Championship in program history, marking a turning point for Floyd football.
During his 19-year tenure as a varsity assistant, Friedman filled several key roles. He coached the defense alongside longtime coordinator Gil DeCicco while also working with wide receivers and overseeing special teams. His versatility and football knowledge allowed him to contribute wherever the program needed him most.
Friedman also brings head coaching experience from other successful programs. He coached boys’ lacrosse at Paca and led the team to the only undefeated season for the sport, at any level, in district history. He later became the first coach in school history to guide the girls’ varsity lacrosse program to the playoffs, reaching the postseason in five of his seven seasons, including final-four appearances and division championships in 2010 and 2011. In 2023, he served as the inaugural head coach of the girls’ flag football team, leading the Colonials to a 7-2 record and a playoff berth. Friedman currently serves as head coach of the Long Island Yellow Jackets girls’ club lacrosse team, which has won back-to-back national titles and is recognized as the top club team in the country.
“I am honored to be selected as the next head coach of this storied football program,” Friedman said. “I will continue to lead with respect and passion while applying the knowledge I’ve gained over the past 27 years to help the program flourish.”
Friedman is currently building his coaching staff, which is expected to include familiar faces and Floyd alumni. Athletic Director Brian Babst expressed confidence in the hire, stating that Friedman will serve the program, community, and student-athletes well while continuing the winning tradition Floyd football expects.