Darrell Sutherland, only head football coach in Bartram Trail history, steps down
For the first time in school history, the Bartram Trail Bears will be led by someone other than Darrell Sutherland when they take the field next season.
Sutherland, who has served as head football coach at Bartram Trail since the school opened in 2000, announced he was stepping down Friday with a statement on social media. He finished his tenure in St. Johns County with a 182-94 record.
“It felt like it was the right time,” Sutherland said. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of this program for a long time. I’m just honored to coach with the guys I’ve been able to coach with and coach the young men I’ve been able to coach.”
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Bartram Trail Athletic Director Ben Windle, who has worked with Sutherland for 18 years, said the coach's decision didn’t come as a surprise. The two have had discussions about it during the past year.
“I think a guy that’s put in 23 years and done it the way he’s done it has earned the right to leave on his own account when he’s ready,” Windle said. “I’m just really happy for him and his wife, Mary, and his opportunity to spend some more time at home. We’ve been very lucky he’s served the community the way he has …
“He’s a very special person.”
Sutherland’s teams reached the state semifinals more times than they missed the playoffs — four to three — and won at least five games in 22 of his 23 seasons. He guided the Bears to their lone state title game appearance in 2017.
This fall, Bartram Trail advanced through the regular season undefeated and earned the No. 1 overall seed in Class 4S. The Bears’ campaign ended last week with a 21-20 loss to Buchholz in the Region 1 Final.
“I’m just so thankful that God has given me this opportunity for the last 23 years, and I’m just so thankful for the relationships with administrators, coaches, players and players’ families,” Sutherland said. “As I think back through memories, those are what stand out — just the relationships I’ve been blessed with.”
A native Virginian, Sutherland coached in his home state at Shawsville High School from 1992-1997 and Bridgewater College from 1997-2000. His career high school head coaching record is 187-118.
Sutherland also teaches reading and intro to research at Bartram Trail and will continue in those capacities. A successor on the gridiron will be hired in the coming months.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: High school football: Darrell Sutherland steps down as Bartram Trail coach
