Gibbs names ex-Buccaneer Donnie Abraham football coach

Gibbs ended its three month search for a football coach, naming former Tampa Bay Buccaneer defensive back Donnie Abraham as coach.

Abraham, 35, played for the Buccaneers from 1996-2001 and the New York Jets from 2002-04. He finished his career with 38 interceptions. For the past four seasons, he has been an assistant coach at East Lake, working primarily with defensive backs.

"I really liked the credentials Donnie had," Gibbs principal Kevin Gordon said. "He played for Tony Dungy, and he is quiet but assertive. I think Donnie will command respect among the players at school."

Abraham replaces Yusuf Shakir, who left in March to take the head coaching job at Tallahassee Lincoln. Gibbs has not had a permanent coach since then, relying on youth league coaches during the spring. Tony Jones was the interim coach for May practices and the spring game.

The job was posted on the Florida High School Athletic Association Web site in May. There were 25 applicants and eight finalists, who were each interviewed last week. Gordon said the decision came down to Abraham and Fort Walton Beach assistant coach Dale More.

"Donnie was impressive in the interview," Gordon said. "He has a real knowledge of the game and a passion for teaching kids football."

-- BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[z]

Make no doubt about it. DONNIE is the right guy.And gibbs could quickly become a power,he's primed for a coaching job,and has strong morals.In years past east lake was always good for a few deep balls a game,with donnie coaching the dbs the past few years I could count on 1 hand the amount of deep passes given up. Love the quote in the paper.Love the quote in the paper about conservative offenses...EAST LAKE FOOTBALL 2010...same plays as 1995