American Heritage-Delray football hires Jonathan King as new head coach

American Heritage-Delray football will have a new leader on the sideline during the 2024 season.

Jonathan King has been announced as the new head coach of the Stallions, according to a press release from the American Heritage athletic program.

"We are elated that coach King is back at American Heritage to help continue the journey," the release says. "He brings to our football program a tremendous amount of coaching expertise and a unique proven track record for motivating players both on the field and in the classroom."

King previously served as American Heritage's wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator for nine years.

He was on staff during the Stallions' three state championships -- in 2007, 2009, and 2011 -- a run that also included two additional trips to the state finals.

However, the Stallions have not experienced that level of success in quite some time. 2015 was the last season Heritage had a winning record, and the Stallions have seen five different coaches lead the charge in as many seasons.

Recent: American Heritage-Delray football seeks stability in long road back

Most recently, Heritage-Delray football suffered a pair of down years which included a 3-7 finish in 2023 and a 2-7 finish in 2022. The 2021 season ended in a regional quarterfinal loss to Glades Central.

So while King steps into a program seeking stability, he has no shortage of experience in player development. He's spent recent seasons as a coach and mentor for student-athletes and coaches in South Florida.

"Coach King's return to the American Heritage community is met with enthusiasm," American Heritage athletic director Kristina Shahin said. "His dedication to shaping coaches and student-athletes into their best selves is unparalleled. Beyond his success in strategies, what distinguishes him is his steadfast commitment to molding students into strong academic performers, leaders on and off the field, and societal pillars. Coach King serves as a positive role model for all fortunate enough to know him."

Alex Peterman is a sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at apeterman@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: American Heritage-Delray hires Jonathan King to lead football program