Hurlie Brown leaving Merritt Island football to return to college
Change continued to hit Brevard County high school football this week with the announcement Wednesday that Merritt Island High's Hurlie Brown has decided to return to college coaching.
Brown, a 1987 Merritt Island graduate, was voted Florida Dairy Farmers Class 5A Coach of the Year for the 2021 football season after leading the program to a state runner-up finish.
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He became Merritt Island's eighth head football coach in March of 2018, following Jeff McLean, who remained as athletic director.
Brown had been an assistant with the program prior to his move to the top, and he was 26-16 in four seasons as the head coach. This seasons, the program made its first state final appearance since 1989, winning District 8-5A and going 13-2 overall. The Mustangs were unbeaten against Brevard opponents.
Brown previously coached at college programs at Miami, Florida International and Louisiana-Lafayette, as well as Dillard High and the then-Oakland Raiders. He played on two Hurricanes national championship teams, spent time in the Canadian Football League and went to training camp with two NFL teams.
Satellite's head football coaching job changed hands over the last 48 hours as fifth-year head coach Ted Kimmey resigned and was followed by offensive coordinator Knox Robinson.
Viera just announced the hiring of former Florida Tech coach Chad Raymond to replace Derek Smith, who left the Hawks program for a job out of state.
And Melbourne Central Catholic is looking for a new head coach after Walt Ramsay retired.
Contact McCallum at bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow @321preps on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to subscribe to FLORIDA TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Merritt Island head football coach Hurlie Brown taking a college job
