William Floyd District Names Pete Friedman New Head Coach Of Varsity Football Team

Friedman, who served as an assistant under Paul Longo for 19 years, looks to continue the winning tradition.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The William Floyd School District has named Pete Friedman as the new head coach of the William Floyd High School Colonials varsity football team. Friedman, who has 27 years of coaching experience and served as an assistant under the previous head coach Paul Longo for 19 years, is tasked with continuing the program's winning tradition.

Why it matters

Replacing a coaching legend like Paul Longo, who led the Colonials to 31 years of success, is a significant challenge. However, the district believes Friedman's experience and familiarity with the program will allow him to maintain the team's high level of performance.

The details

Friedman has helped coach teams that made 14 appearances in the Suffolk County Championship game, won 12 county titles, five Long Island championships, and three Rutgers trophies as the best team in the county. He has held various roles with the Colonials, including coaching the defense, receivers, and special teams. Friedman has also had success coaching other sports, leading the William Paca Middle School football team, the girls' varsity lacrosse program, and the girls' flag football team.

  • Friedman began his coaching career in 1999 at Northport and joined Floyd one year later.
  • In 2001, he joined the varsity staff as assistant coach and helped lead the Colonials to their first county championship title in program history.
  • In 2023, he was the first coach of the girls' flag football team, leading the Colonials to a 7-2 record and a playoff berth.

The players

Pete Friedman

The new head coach of the William Floyd High School Colonials varsity football team, who has 27 years of coaching experience and served as an assistant under the previous head coach Paul Longo for 19 years.

Paul Longo

The previous head coach of the William Floyd High School Colonials varsity football team, who led the program to 31 years of success.

Gil DeCicco

The longtime defensive coordinator for the William Floyd High School Colonials varsity football team.

Brian Babst

The athletic director for the William Floyd School District.

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What they’re saying

“following in the footsteps of a coaching legend is a challenge for anyone.”

— Brian Babst, Athletic Director, William Floyd School District (patch.com)

“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.”

— Brian Babst, Athletic Director, William Floyd School District (patch.com)

“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.”

— Pete Friedman (patch.com)

“I have learned what works and what doesn't, and will apply that knowledge to help the program flourish.”

— Pete Friedman (patch.com)

The takeaway

Replacing a coaching legend is a significant challenge, but the William Floyd School District believes Pete Friedman's extensive experience and familiarity with the program will allow him to maintain the Colonials' winning tradition and continue to develop student-athletes on and off the field.