Shaun Arntz, who stepped down from his dual role as head football coach and athletic director at Freeport High School amid concerns of burnout, has accepted a new position that will let him stay close to home. The Okaloosa County native has been named head football coach at Destin Middle School, where he will also teach physical education and weightlifting.
Arntz leaves behind a tenure at Freeport that included a 41‑50 record, a single playoff victory and a steady expansion of the school’s athletic offerings. Over nine seasons he grew the program by adding three sports and swelling the coaching staff from four to ten assistants, while also overseeing plans for a new stadium and upgraded facilities that are slated for the 2027 season.
A Fresh Start in the Middle School Ranks
Speaking about his move, Arntz highlighted the leadership of Destin Middle’s athletic director, Tanja Tate, and noted the competitive spirit of middle‑school football in Okaloosa County. He has likened the level of play to junior‑varsity competition in neighboring Walton County, underscoring both the challenge and the opportunity to build on a program that finished 5‑2 last year.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Arntz cited personal reasons for the transition, including a desire to reconnect with former players, spend more time with family and take advantage of the school’s proximity — just an eight‑minute drive from his house. The shift allows him to balance coaching ambitions with a more sustainable lifestyle after years of demanding schedules.
The new staff at Destin Middle will consist of six coaches who are fully approved by the Okaloosa County School District and who bring extensive youth‑sports experience. Arntz expressed excitement about the immediate impact he can have, noting that the program’s recent success provides a solid foundation for future growth.