Breaking: Ron Perisee to leave Leto and accept Tampa Freedon head coaching job
Before Ron Perisee landed at Leto High School ahead of the 2022 season, the Falcons were struggling mightily to win football games.
Between 2010-2021, the football program had won a total of six games, with half of those victories coming via forfeit. Perisee changed all that once he came to Leto.
Now he will be accepting a head coaching position elsewhere. Per Perisee on Friday afternoon, he will be accepting the open head coaching job at Tampa Freedom. In two seasons, Perisee compiled a record of 6-14 overall.
"I was made an offer I could not refuse," Perisee said. "I have an opportunity to help create a positive culture at Freedom High School. Freedom, like Leto, has amazing kids. What sold me is what was the reply from two players when asked what they needed from a head coach. Without hesitation they said they wanted structure and discipline, and a coach who creates relationships with his players. Those are the building blocks of solid, successful programs. How could I say no?"
Every game Leto has won the last two years has been on the field, including Perisee going 2-0 against his new employer, Tampa Freedom. The Leto job wasn't Perisee's first stop as a head coach, with him leading Alonso for two seasons (2018-2019).
Perisee will take on another reclamation project in the Patriots, who have a nearly as difficult of a time winning games as Leto previously had. Since 2019, Tampa Freedom has gone 3-46 and had three winless seasons.
Tampa Freedom's new head boss isn't shying away from lofty expectations and one of them for his new program and is beating a nearby perennial playoff contender.
"Beating Wharton. Yeah, I said it," Perisee added. "That’s the mindset and mission now. Once we slay that dragon, we’ll know we’ve started building something. I’m also looking forward to Freedom having a larger imprint in New Tampa. It’s time we embrace our community. There are fences that need mending."
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
