Longtime Dr. Phillips High Football Coach Rodney Wells Steps Down After 15 Seasons

Wells led the Panthers to the Class 7A, Region 4 final in his final season before announcing his retirement.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Rodney Wells, the longtime head football coach at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, has decided to step down after 15 seasons leading the Panthers program. Wells announced his retirement via a personal Facebook post, reflecting on the many memories, relationships, and accomplishments during his tenure, which included seven double-digit win seasons and an overall record of 136-50 from 2011-2025.

Why it matters

Rodney Wells' departure marks the end of an era for the Dr. Phillips football program, which has been a consistent powerhouse in Florida high school football under his leadership. His retirement also continues a recent trend of familiar faces stepping away from the game in the state, raising questions about the future of coaching continuity at the high school level.

The details

In his final season, Wells led the Panthers to the Class 7A, Region 4 final, where they fell to state finalist Vero Beach. Over his 15-year tenure, Wells compiled an impressive 136-50 overall record, including seven double-digit win seasons that established Dr. Phillips as one of the top programs in the region.

  • Rodney Wells announced his retirement via a personal Facebook post on February 3, 2026.
  • Wells had been the head football coach at Dr. Phillips High School since 2011.

The players

Rodney Wells

The longtime head football coach at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, who announced his retirement after 15 seasons leading the Panthers program.

Dr. Phillips High School

A renowned high school in Orlando, Florida, known for its academic excellence and strong athletics program, particularly in football and basketball.

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What they’re saying

“After so many blessed seasons, memories and relationships I am stepping away from the game I love. Coaching at DP, My Alma Mater, has always been about the young men who trusted me, showed up every day, and gave everything they had. To my players, Thank you for your extreme effort, your resilience, and for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. You are champions on and off the field and I am proud of each of you.”

— Rodney Wells, Former Head Football Coach (Facebook)

What’s next

The Dr. Phillips High School administration will now begin the process of searching for a new head football coach to lead the Panthers program into the future.

The takeaway

Rodney Wells' retirement from the Dr. Phillips High School football program marks the end of a highly successful 15-year tenure, during which he established the Panthers as one of the top teams in Florida. His departure continues a trend of coaching turnover in the state, raising questions about the future of high school football leadership and the ability to maintain long-term program stability.