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Booker High School has abruptly removed its head football coach and athletic director, Carlos Woods, just days before players are due to begin practice for the 2026 season. The timing leaves one of Florida’s top high school programs scrambling for leadership ahead of a high-profile opener against state champion Venice.
The school announced the separation Friday; officials have not provided a full public explanation. Woods had guided the Tornadoes to a 12-2 record last year and a berth in the Class 3A semifinals, where Booker fell to Raines, 28-8.
Woods reflects on his time at Booker
In a brief statement to local media, Woods expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the athletic department and coach the team, praising players, staff and the Newtown community for their support. He described the relationships built during his tenure as meaningful and said he would carry those memories forward.
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Woods spent one season in charge of Booker. After an opening setback against Auburn, the Tornadoes won 12 straight games, including lopsided playoff victories that showcased an explosive offense and stout defense.
- Postseason wins included dominant scorelines over Mulberry, Bayshore and Nature Coast Tech.
- Final regular-season record: 12-2.
NFL pedigree in the coach’s résumé
Before moving into high school coaching, Woods worked on the Indianapolis Colts’ staff from 2006 to 2008 in several support roles, including defensive quality control. Those years coincided with a Super Bowl title for the Colts in the 2006 season, part of a string of strong team records during his time in Indianapolis.
What the team looks like on the field
The Tornadoes will open the 2026 campaign at home on Friday, August 21, meeting reigning state champion Venice. Booker must replace starting quarterback Joel Morris, who piled up nearly 2,400 passing yards and 29 touchdowns last season, while the ground game produced more than 2,300 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns as a unit.
- Key departures: Starting quarterback Joel Morris (graduation/next step).
- Returning playmakers: Receivers Kobran Waters (18 catches, 303 yards, 3 TDs) and Jayvian Hoffmann (11 catches, 178 yards, 2 TDs).
- Defensive standouts: Maleek Lee (7.5 sacks as a junior), Kymani Sellers (5.5 sacks, 23 QB hurries) plus Tylor Morton, Keshon Campbell, Jordan Booker and Peyton Brewer.
- Running backs: Mike Peterson (544 yards, 9 TDs last season) and freshman Mylin Brown (371 yards, 6 TDs).
The roster returns experienced position players but loses its veteran quarterback, a change that typically accelerates the importance of the coaching staff’s offseason work. With practice imminent, playbook installation and quarterback competition will be front-and-center tasks for whoever assumes the head coach role.
Immediate implications and next steps
Booker faces several practical challenges now: naming an interim leader, finalizing preseason plans and reassuring current players and recruits. The accelerated timeline—only days before pads come on—reduces the usual window for a coaching transition and could affect preparations for a marquee first game.
- School statement: limited details provided so far; further updates expected from the district.
- Short-term need: appointment of an interim coach and athletic director to oversee practice and preparation.
- Longer-term questions: whether the program will seek a permanent replacement immediately or promote from within.
For now, attention in Sarasota will shift to how quickly Booker’s administration moves to stabilize the program and how the players respond during the crucial run-up to the season opener.
