Gulf Breeze Football Faces Uncertainty After Coach Stomps' Departure

Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA - The Gulf Breeze Dolphins are once again in the market for a new head football coach as Jim Stomps has resigned after just one season. Stomps’ decision, confirmed by athletic director Matt Alt on June 19, 2025, came about for personal reasons — specifically, to return closer to his family in Jacksonville. Stomps’ tenure was marked by challenges, as Gulf Breeze finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 2-8 record, with only two victories in District 1-5A against South Walton and Milton, where their win against South Walton featured a memorable 80-yard drive leading to a 20-16 victory. This change marks the Dolphins‘ third head coach in three seasons, signaling a period of instability for the program as they search for a steady direction moving forward, as detailed by PNJ.

Stomps’ recruitment back in February 2024 was aimed at revitalizing the team after the abrupt dismissal of former coach Jeff Gierke. However, the transition has proven difficult, with significant player graduations, including key offensive leaders like quarterback Brock Stomps, who passed for 1,782 yards last season, and other noteworthy graduates contributing to both the passing game and defense. The Dolphins have been left to regroup as they set their sights on achieving their first non-losing season since 2022 and their first winning season since 2021, which has become an urgent matter as Gulf Breeze actively looks for Stomps‘ replacement according to Sixers Wire.

New Challenges Ahead

With the resignation of Stomps, the pressure mounts on the Dolphins to establish a new coaching framework. Athletic director Matt Alt has emphasized the need for urgency in appointing a new head coach, potentially considering interim options while they finalize a decision. The uncertainty reflects a broader trend in Florida high school football, where head coaching vacancies have surged; currently, there are 28 openings across the state following the end of the recent season. Gulf Breeze is just one of the many schools facing a similar crisis that leaves fans hopeful for a swift turnaround as noted by Sports Illustrated.

Looking ahead, Stomps‘ departure leaves the Dolphins with the hefty task of cultivating a fresh culture and strategy. The team began last season’s training with high hopes, practicing at an early hour of 12:01 a.m. to kick off the 2024 season. Players and coaches like assistant head coach Kevin Rollins had instilled a focus on teamwork and resilience, emphasized through the team mantra “F.AM.I.L.Y.” (Forget about me, I love you) which aimed to foster camaraderie and high morale among players. Such foundational elements will need to be fostered anew to ensure stability amidst the search for leadership.

The Dolphins are also looking for a new identity on the field, as they will face tough competition in their upcoming season, starting with Escambia in the Kickoff Classic on August 16 and South Walton in their first regular season match on August 24. How the new leadership adapts to the existing talent, including senior leaders eager to build chemistry among a new offensive system, will determine Gulf Breeze’s prospects for the year ahead.

Now, with the uncertainty of a new head coach looming, the Gulf Breeze Dolphins community holds its breath, awaiting the next chapter of their football story.