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Former Florida State Standout Elevated To Head Coach Of Local High School

The former Seminole will be taking over the reins at Chiles High School in Tallahassee.

There have been a series of ongoing changes at Chiles High School since head coach Kevin Pettis was removed from his position in June following an investigation into athletic violations. The program is looking to establish some level of stability ahead of the 2023 season.

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On Monday, Chiles Athletic Director Mike Eto announced that the school was elevating former Florida State standout Bill Ragans to the role of interim head coach, according to Kyle Logan of ABC 27. Ragans was already on staff after serving as defensive coordinator for the past six seasons.

“We are confident that Coach Ragans will provide the stability, vision, and leadership necessary to succeed this season. At the end of the season, our admin team will evaluate the success of the program and determine the direction at that time.”

Ragans played at Florida State from 1986-1990 under former head coach Bobby Bowden. During his time with the program, the Seminoles won five consecutive bowl games, including two Fiesta Bowl victories against Nebraska (31-28, 41-17) and a Sugar Bowl win against Auburn (13-7).

The Florida native developed into a starter in his final two years in Tallahassee. He recorded a career-high eight tackles in Florida State's victory at Florida in 1989. Ragans totaled 166 tackles, seven tackles for loss, seven sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, 12 pass deflections, three blocked kicks, and one defensive touchdown in garnet and gold.

Following his playing career, he's spent time as a coach for FSU (GA), Colquitt County, Leon High School, Suwannee High, Maclay School, and Chiles. 

Ragans will make his debut as interim head coach for the Timberwolves when the team takes on Wakulla on August 25.

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