Biography

This honor is jointly presented with our partner High School Football America.

This past season, Surtain led American Heritage to the Florida 5A state championship, the school’s third overall under the direction of the former National Football League cornerback, who spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.

Surtain took-over the American Heritage program in 2016 after serving as the team’s defensive
coordinator for three seasons, during which time the Patriots won another state title.

In addition to being one of the top programs in the State of Florida, AH has become a regular in the national rankings. All five of his teams have finished the year ranked in the High School Football America (“HSFA”) national rankings. This past season, the Patriots were ranked No. 20 in the High School Football America 100. American Heritage’s highest ranking was in 2017 when it finished No. 6 in the nation in the HSFA rankings. The 2016 state championship team was
ranked No. 14 in America by High School Football America.

“Coach Surtain has done an outstanding job at American Heritage, while playing one of the toughest schedules in the nation,” said Jeff Fisher, head of the NHSCA Coach of the Year Nominating Committee and founder of High School Football America. “His success goes beyond the playing field. His ability to prepare his student-athletes for the next level makes him an excellent choice for this honor.”

Surtain is the fourth football coach from Florida to be honored by the NHSCA. Miami Central’s Roland Smith won the award for the 2014 season. George Smith of St. Thomas Aquinas was honored in 2010-11 school year and the late Charles “Corky” Rogers of The Bolles School was our first honoree during the 2004-2005 sports year.

Records

Coached 3 State Championship Teams

Personal Honors

Played 11 years in the NFL