The biggest piece in the coaching puzzle for Northeast Florida high school football fell into place Wednesday.
Ponte Vedra coach Matt Toblin is moving northward to take the job at 11-time state champion Bolles.
Ponte Vedra announced the move via Twitter on Wednesday night, and athletic director Eric Frank confirmed the news.
Toblin replaces Wayne Belger, who stepped down after two years in charge of the Bulldogs’ program. Belger took over for longtime Bolles coach Corky Rogers, who retired after the 2016 season due to health issues.
In a statement, Toblin described the decision as “one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do.”
“The Ponte Vedra community has been a part of so many milestones of my life that I will forever take with me,” said Toblin, a Mandarin graduate.
Toblin coached the Sharks for five years, leading Ponte Vedra to the state championship game in 2016 and racking up a record of 39-18.
Toblin previously coached Clay for two years, compiling a record of 17-7 and twice qualifying for the playoffs. He also brings collegiate experience, serving as defensive coordinator at Southern Oregon under Craig Howard in 2011 and 2012.
Toblin is the second St. Johns County football coach to move to a Jacksonville private school this winter. Nease’s Tim Krause left for the Bishop Kenny job last month.
Toblin’s arrival may also herald a transformation in approach from the trap-based ground attack favored for three decades under Rogers and Belger. At Ponte Vedra, the Sharks took to the skies, with 2016 All-First Coast quarterback of the year Nick Tronti throwing for 3,328 yards and 34 touchdowns in his senior season.
Toblin inherits a Bolles program that holds Florida’s record for state titles, though the Bulldogs have not lifted the trophy since 2011.
Bolles will move down from Class 5A to Class 4A for the 2019 season.
