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Jason Milgrom Steps Down At Chaminade; Dameon Jones Named Replacement

JT Block

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Another Broward County team with high expectations for the 2016 season has to replace its coach.

Chaminade-Madonna head coach Jason Milgrom told SFHSSports via text message Saturday night and confirmed Sunday that he was stepping down as head coach.

"Last night I resigned from my position as head football coach at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory," Milgrom wrote. "Throughout my long journey in coaching, I have come to the realization that it is time to move on."

"I will miss the kids and the relationships the most. The game is so simple and yet we make it so complex. There is never a good time to walk away and this is a prime example of that. However, I was unable to comprehend some decision and the thought process on the future of the program. I could not willingly and knowingly promote something that I was not sold on," Milgrom wrote via text message.

Milgrom's decision comes on the heels of Boyd Anderson head coach Eddie "Rabbit" Brown announcing Friday that he was taking a leave of absence.

The timing of both are gravely inauspicious as teams begin fall football practice Monday, will play preseason classic games during the third week of August and kick off the regular season the following week.

The Lions did move swiftly in tabbing Milgrom's replacement, though. The school announced that it will hire former Hallandale head coach Dameon Jones to take over the program immediately.

Jones stepped down as Hallandale's head coach at the end of the 2015 season, a year in which the Chargers made it to the region 4-5A final after upsetting then-defending Class 5A champs and district rival Plantation American Heritage.

Milgrom took over the program before the start of the 2015 season and led the Lions to a 6-3 record before falling to Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy in the region 4-3A semifinals.

Milgrom's efforts to turn the program around struck big during the offseason – creating a buzz and making the Lions an attractive destination for prospects.

Former University School quarterback and Class 4A Player of the Year Henry Colombi came in as did his favorite target – receiver Josh Ali, a University of Kentucky commit. Chaminade's defense also got a tackling machine in the form of 2018 linebacker Marlon Pelote, who came in from Miami Booker T. Washington.

Chaminade's new additions only further bolstered an already solid group that includes standout 2018 running back Shaun Shivers and linebackers Carlton Williams and Cody Watson.

The Lions were set to be major players in the Class 3A state title race and Milgrom had put together a "big school" schedule to make sure his team was battle-tested. Chaminade will play Deerfield Beach and defending Class 8A champion Flanagan, as well as hosting independent powerhouse Bradenton IMG for its regular season finale.

Prior to taking over Chaminade, Milgrom spent 18 years at St. Thomas Aquinas – mostly as offensive coordinator – and helped build some of the program's top offenses.

Bringing in a coach like Jones makes sense for Chaminade. Jones led Hallandale to five playoff appearances in his seven combined seasons over two coaching stints at Hallandale – his alma mater.

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