Former NFL Safety Erik Coleman Finds Calling Coaching High School Football

The former New York Jets player is now coaching at a high school in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Erik Coleman, a former safety for the New York Jets, has found a new calling as a high school football coach in Boca Raton, Florida. Growing up in Spokane, Washington, Coleman was passionate about sports from a young age, playing football, basketball, and baseball after school at the community center. After a successful NFL career, Coleman has now turned his attention to mentoring and coaching the next generation of high school athletes in Palm Beach County.

Why it matters

Coleman's transition from professional athlete to high school coach highlights the important role that experienced players can have in developing young talent and instilling valuable life lessons through sports. As a former NFL player, Coleman brings a unique perspective and set of skills that can greatly benefit the high school athletes he now coaches.

The details

After retiring from the NFL, Coleman moved to Florida and began coaching football at a high school in Boca Raton. He is now in his third season as the head coach, leading the team and mentoring the players both on and off the field. Coleman's coaching style emphasizes the importance of discipline, teamwork, and character development, in addition to building football fundamentals.

  • Coleman played in the NFL from 2004 to 2011, primarily for the New York Jets.
  • He began coaching high school football in Boca Raton, Florida in 2023.
  • Coleman is currently in his third season as the head coach of the high school team.

The players

Erik Coleman

A former safety who played in the NFL for the New York Jets from 2004 to 2011.

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What they’re saying

“I played sports, just because that's what we did. After school, we went to the community center, and I played football, basketball, and baseball.”

— Erik Coleman

The takeaway

Erik Coleman's transition from NFL player to high school football coach demonstrates the valuable role that experienced athletes can play in mentoring and developing the next generation of young talent. His emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and character building is a testament to the lasting impact that sports can have on shaping the lives of young people.