Miami, Florida – The Miami Central Rockets high school football team has quickly found a new head coach after parting ways with Jube Joseph. The coaching position was barely open for a week before the Rockets announced Derrick Gibson as Joseph’s successor.
Joseph, who led the Rockets for three seasons, was dismissed after the team faced a ruling by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which required the forfeiture of eight victories due to the use of ineligible players. This decision came following a self-reported violation where a player, who had entered the ninth grade in 2020, was found to have participated unlawfully in nine games.
Derrick Gibson returns to Miami Central with plenty of experience. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Rockets from 2009 to 2019, earning a reputation for building a solid defensive strategy. After a brief position as a safeties coach at Florida Atlantic University, Gibson took the reins at Killian High School, where he led the team to an impressive 26-6 record over three years.
In his final season, Joseph’s record showed promise with a 31-5 mark that included a perfect 14-0 run in 2022, ending with the Class 2M state championship. However, with the forfeits now affecting his tenure, his adjusted record stands at 22-14. The team had high hopes this year with an 8-1 start and accolades, including ranking No. 4 in the On3 Composite High School Rankings.
The Rockets are recognized as one of the premier high school programs in Florida, boasting nine state championships. Their championship run includes four consecutive titles from 2019 to 2022. Before coaching, Gibson was a standout player at Florida State and was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders in 2000, where he played for six seasons.
As Miami Central prepares for the future under Gibson’s leadership, the community eagerly anticipates how the team will respond following recent challenges, aiming once again for greatness on the field.
