DeSoto County (Florida) tabs Cliff Lohrey as next head football coach

Lohrey was formerly the head coach at Crystal River, his alma mater

ARCADIA, FLORIDA- DeSoto High School has found its next head football coach. 

According to The Sun’s Patrick Obley, the Bulldogs have tabbed former Crystal River head coach Cliff Lohrey as the program’s lead man. 

DeSoto County once again stepped outside of Arcadia for its next football coach. The Bulldogs hired Cliff Lohrey to succeed Jeff Lee. Lohrey most recently coached at Crystal River, his alma mater, for the past six seasons before departing after a 2-7 2023 campaign. #SunPreps

— Patrick Obley 🦥 (@PMOWriter) February 19, 2024

“Just really excited to become a Bulldog,” Lohrey said. “I’m looking forward to building relationships with the faculty, community and of course the players.” 

Lohrey went 23-34 during his time at Crystal River, with his best season coming in 2017 when the Pirates finished 8-3. Crystal River finished 2-7 this past season, ending 2023 with a 31-13 loss to Hernando.

Cliff Lohrey out as head football coach at Crystal River

He was dismissed from his alma mater after the season and was eventually replaced by the school’s athletic director Bill Vonada. 

It’s been a wild last four months for Lohrey, who takes on his third head coaching gig in the Sunshine State, but seemingly accepted another job before landing at DeSoto County. 

According to Orlando University High School’s website, an article link shows that Lohrey was named the head coach of the Cougars initially back in December. The link to that article now comes as unviewable via an internet search. 

When SBLive Sports Florida reached Lohrey by phone, he said the school had offered the job but did not have a teaching position for him in a timely manner. Lohrey then continued his search for a head coaching job, eventually landing in Arcadia. 

Lohrey will certainly have his work cut out for him as he takes over a Bulldogs’ team that finished 0-10 last season under then head coach Jeff Lee, who lasted just one year at DeSoto County. 

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl