Miami – There has been a significant shake-up at Miami Central High School as head football coach Jube Joseph has been let go after a series of unfortunate events that plagued the program over the past season. Joseph’s dismissal was confirmed by multiple sources on Friday afternoon, although attempts to reach the school’s principal for an official statement went unanswered.
Joseph had a magical start as the head coach, leading the Rockets to an impressive 14-0 season and winning their fourth consecutive Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) football state championship in 2022. However, this past season brought a steep decline, as the team ended with a disappointing 8-5 record, losing in the state semifinals.
The turmoil continued into the 2024 season, beginning with high expectations but quickly deteriorating due to multiple issues. Miami Central was forced to forfeit eight victories after it was discovered they had played with an ineligible player, reducing their record from 8-1 to 0-9 and causing them to miss the state playoffs. The Rockets also found themselves engulfed in scandals, including a brawl during a summer practice event that led to both Miami Central and Miami Northwestern being excused from the competition.
Add to that the serious injury of four-star defensive back Amari Wallace, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during an unsanctioned scrimmage, and it becomes clear why the program was in chaos. Wallace’s family is exploring legal action, citing unsafe conditions on the field.
Joseph took to social media last November, defending his coaching staff and attempting to clear the air following the turmoil. He expressed hope for the program’s future, stating, “The Rockets will be back and better than ever.” However, the outlook will be without him at the helm moving forward.
While Miami Central aims for a comeback in the 2025 season, they do so with the challenge of finding a new head coach, setting the stage for a new chapter in the storied program’s history.
