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Cape High head football coach Murphy resigns citing ‘personal reasons’

Watkins named to take over coaching duties

By CJ HADDAD 2 min read
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Cape Coral High School announced Thursday that head football coach Tyler Murphy was resigning, and that former NFL talent and Cape High grad Jaylen Watkins will take over. 

In a letter to parents, Cape Coral High School officials said Murphy was stepping away for “personal reasons.” Murphy will also be stepping away as a physical education teacher. 

Murphy took over as head coach last season, leading the Seahawks to a successful 8-2 record and district championship. This year, the Cape Coral is off to a 3-0 start.

Murphy played college at the University of Florida and Boston College as a quarterback. With BC, he set an ACC single-season record for a quarterback. He went undrafted and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015, playing wide receiver. 

Watkins, who served as defensive coordinator for the Seahawks last season and started this season in the same position, is set to take over head coaching duties. 

Watkins is a University of Florida alum and spent parts of six seasons in the National Football League as a defensive back. 

Watkins and Cape Coral High School officials could not be immediately reached for comment, but Watkins did post on his Facebook page sharing the news story of his appointment, “I would prefer to have my brother back please!”

To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com