Paul Longo Takes Over as Shoreham-Wading River (NY) Head Football Coach

Longtime William Floyd coach to lead Wildcats after 31-year tenure

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:47pm

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Paul Longo, a veteran New York high school football coach who led the William Floyd Colonials for 31 seasons, has been named the new head coach of the Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats. Longo stepped down from William Floyd last month but will now take over a Wildcats program that finished 3-6 in 2025.

Why it matters

Longo is one of the most accomplished high school football coaches in New York state history, leading William Floyd to 26 playoff appearances, 21 county championship games, 15 Suffolk County titles, five Long Island championships, and three Rutgers trophies. His arrival at Shoreham-Wading River is expected to provide a major boost to the Wildcats' program.

The details

During his 31-year tenure at William Floyd, Longo compiled an overall record of 253-67 and owned Suffolk County's longest high school football winning streak at 42 games from 2005-2008. In his statement upon leaving William Floyd, Longo said he felt it was "time for some of the outstanding younger coaches to have the opportunity to coach the team." The Wildcats are hoping Longo's veteran leadership and proven track record can help turn their program around after a 3-6 season in 2025.

  • Longo was the head coach at William Floyd from 1995 to 2025.
  • Longo stepped down from William Floyd on December 18, 2025.
  • Longo was named the new head coach of Shoreham-Wading River on January 28, 2026.

The players

Paul Longo

A veteran New York high school football coach who led the William Floyd Colonials for 31 seasons, compiling an overall record of 253-67 and winning 26 playoff appearances, 21 county championship games, 15 Suffolk County titles, five Long Island championships, and three Rutgers trophies.

Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats

The high school football team that Paul Longo will now be leading after a 3-6 season in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I feel it is time for some of the outstanding younger coaches to have the opportunity to coach the team. I have been blessed and had the good fortune of being the head varsity football coach at William Floyd High School for 31 years. I am thankful and honored for all the support from the entire William Floyd community.”

— Paul Longo, Former William Floyd Head Football Coach (Newsday)

What’s next

Longo will begin his tenure as Shoreham-Wading River's new head football coach immediately, with the goal of turning around the Wildcats' program and leading them to success in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Paul Longo's arrival as the new head football coach of Shoreham-Wading River represents a major coup for the program, as they bring in one of the most accomplished high school coaches in New York state history to help revitalize their team after a disappointing 2025 campaign.