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Former Miami Central Assistant Gerald Cox Named Coconut Creek Coach

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Coconut Creek has found its next head coach – and it went all the way down to Miami-Dade County to do it.

SFHSSports learned Thursday evening that former Miami Central assistant coach Gerald Cox has been named the Cougars next head coach.

Cox replaces Kareem Reid, who led Coconut Creek for three seasons and "restored the roar" of the program – making the Cougars relevant in the Broward football landscape.

A 10-year coaching veteran, Cox said he's ready for the challenge of his first head coaching job.

"It's awesome, I can't wait," Cox said. "I'm thankful to the Coconut Creek administration for giving me the opportunity. I've been patient, waiting for my time to come. I've had some great mentors along the way that have taught me a lot. They really showed me what it takes to be a head coach."

Cox said that he counts Miami Central head coach Telly Lockette and legendary Miami Carol City head coach Walt Frazier as people that he lean on for support and guidance.

"Coach Frazier is someone that I can call anytime and ask him about things, get his opinion and bounce things off of him. Telly Lockette really showed me the ropes of how things go and [current Miami Central head coach] Roland Smith allowed me to do some things behind the scenes that are essential to building a football program."

"So I'm excited and I'm ready. We're going to keep the Creek Boys rolling," Cox added.

Cox served on the Rockets coaching staff for the past seven seasons as the defensive backs coach and was the co-defensive coordinator with Derrick Gibson this past season. Cox also served as the Rockets' junior varsity head coach.

Central is the first program in the state's history to appear in six straight state title games – winning five of the six, with four consecutive from 2012 to 2015.

Coconut Creek went 16-16 in the three seasons under Reid and failed to make the playoffs in that stretch. The team had its share of talented players – especially this past season with three consensus All-Americans – but the Cougars compete in district 16-5A, undoubtedly one of the state's most competitive districts.

Cox, like Reid, is a big proponent of 7-on-7 football. Under Reid, Creek made a big splash during the offseason prior to the 2015 season – winning three major tournaments. Cox is one of the coaches and founders of Da Team Elite, an all-star 7-on-7 football program.

Cox said he plans on bringing his "Miami Central" mentality with him to Coconut Creek.

"I met with the team [Thursday] and I told them that I didn't come from Central to lose. I'm not used to losing and we're going to have an 'in your face' mentality and be physical. Coach Reid did a good job of building the Creek brand and I want to do some things – in the classroom, on the field and on signing day – that'll elevate the program further."

"We want to make sure that we put the kids in the best position to succeed. Once they buy in, everything else will work itself out."

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