Talking Old School: Coach Rick Darlington.
Podcasts > "Talkin’ Old School” With Roger Franklin Williams
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
About Coach DarlingtonHead Football Coach
Deland High School
Career Record: 251-95 (28 seasons)
Reached Playoffs in 26 of 28 years as a head coach
All-time central Florida leader in playoff victories (43)
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Apopka ’01, ’12, & ‘14
STATE RUNNER-UP: Apopka ‘13 & Valdosta ‘03
STATE FINAL 4 (semifinals): Deland ‘23, Apopka ’07 & ‘09
STATE ELITE 8 (quarterfinals): Enterprise ‘21, Apopka ‘08, Valdosta ‘04
DELAND, FL: ’22 to present
In 2 years, the Bulldogs have won Back-to-Back District titles (last title was 11 years ago). The ’22 team broke the school single season scoring record (33 ppg), and the ’23 team shattered that record at 40 ppg. 2023 Region Champions (1st time since 2009) and state Semi-Finalist in largest classification. Quarterback has had back to back season of more than 1,200 yards rushing AND passing, and this fall threw 21 TD passes with ZERO interceptions. Wingback also rushed for 1,000 yards and had 900 yards receiving.
ENTERPRISE, AL: ’19-‘21
Took over a program coming off back to back 2-8 seasons. Year 1 started 2-5, but turned it around and made the 7A playoffs in Maxpreps 3rd toughest playoff bracket in the country. Year 2 averaged 36 ppg and again made the playoffs. Year 3, scored 41 ppg (3rd in 7A behind the teams playing for state), led the entire state of Alabama in rushing, and had 2 1,000 yard rushers. Finished in the Elite 8 (quarterfinals) in 7A.
APOPKA, FL: ’99-’02 & ’06-‘18
2013 team set a state record with 752 points, averaging 50.1 ppg over 15 games, and rushed for 6,000 yards. The ’13, ’14, & ’15 teams each had THREE 1,000 yard rushers each season.
OBJECTIVE AS A HEAD COACH
To build a championship football program with young men of character and humility
that the community, school, and parents can be proud of both on and off the field. Our
mission is to build men who are not only successful, but are significant in the lives of others.
He and his wife, Shelly, have been married 33 years and have 4 sons, 3 daughters, 3 grandchildren (and counting…)
Related Episodes
Talking Old School: Apopka High School boys Basketball and boys Volleyball.
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Talkin Old School: Guest, Scott Harrell.
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Talking Old School: Guest, Coach Rick Darlington.
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