IMG Academy Seeks New Leadership for National Football Team

Jan 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM

The IMG Academy's national football team is currently in search of a new head coach following the departure of Billy Miller. Miller, who spent three years as the head coach and a decade with the program, has resigned to join Bill Belichick’s coaching staff at the University of North Carolina. Under Miller’s leadership, the Ascenders achieved an impressive 25-3 record, including an 18-game winning streak from September 2022 to August 2024. The team finished the 2024 season ranked No. 4 on the USA Today Florida Network Super 25 rankings. Miller’s contributions have been significant, leading to a national championship last season. His experience in recruiting top high school players will be valuable to Belichick’s college program. Meanwhile, IMG Academy is preparing to find its fifth head coach in seven years, emphasizing the importance of this position within the prestigious institution.

A Legacy of Success: Miller's Impact on IMG Academy

Billy Miller's tenure at IMG Academy has left an indelible mark on the football program. Since joining the academy in 2014, Miller held various roles before becoming the head coach in 2021. During his time, he guided the Ascenders to a remarkable 25-3 record, culminating in a national championship. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining the team's dominance, even through challenging seasons like 2024, where they finished with a 7-2 record. Miller’s ability to foster a competitive spirit among student-athletes earned him respect both within and outside the academy.

Kyle Brey, the Director of Football Operations at IMG Academy, acknowledged Miller’s contributions in a statement. "Coach Miller has been an integral part of our football program," Brey said. "His leadership and impact on our student-athletes have been profound. Despite his departure, we remain confident in our strong foundation of leadership, coaches, and support staff." Miller’s influence extended beyond the field, shaping the development of young athletes and setting a high standard for future coaches to uphold. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of leaders at IMG Academy.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for IMG Academy

As IMG Academy prepares to fill the void left by Miller, the search for a new head coach has begun. This position, often regarded as the premier high school football coaching job in the nation, is expected to attract top candidates. The academy aims to maintain its tradition of excellence, ensuring that the new coach can continue to develop student-athletes to their full potential. With four previous head coaches in just seven years, IMG has shown resilience and adaptability in finding the right leadership.

Much of the focus now lies on identifying someone who can replicate or even surpass Miller’s achievements. The ideal candidate will need to possess not only a strong coaching background but also the ability to recruit elite talent, similar to what Miller did during his tenure. Kyle Brey emphasized the significance of this role, stating, "We expect significant interest from top candidates as we work to have a new head coach in place by this spring." The upcoming months will be crucial for IMG Academy as it seeks to build upon its storied history and continue its pursuit of excellence in high school football.