R.J. Fuhr is giving up the burgundy and gold for the purple and gold.
On Wednesday, FloridaHSFootball.com broke the news that Fuhr was stepping down as head football coach at Oak Hall School to become the offensive coordinator at Union County in Lake Butler.
“We are excited to have him,” Union County football coach Andrew Thomas told FloridaHSFootball.com. “He brings us a lot of success, and what he has done with the Oak Hall football program is remarkable. I have an experienced staff, and it just makes it stronger with the addition of Coach Fuhr.”
This past season, Fuhr led the Eagles to a 7-2 record and the school’s ninth straight playoff appearance (2015-2023).
Last September, quarterback Dakota Brower helped Oak Hall’s offense set a school scoring record with 70 points but just three weeks later the Eagles broke the record with a 74-32 win at home against Eagle’s View (Jacksonville).
Two years ago, the Eagles finished the season 8-0 and continued their model of consistency.
Fuhr joins a Tigers’ program that finished 8-4 and lost to eventual Class 1R state runner-up Madison County, 17-14, in the 1R-Region 3 Final.
He said he has a lot of friends on the staff at Union County and that’s how he heard about the opening.
“I also love the tradition of the Union County program and how the whole town embraces the football program,” Fuhr said.
Thomas will still be the main play caller and Fuhr noted that their “offensive philosophies are very, very similar.”
Fuhr said that leaving Oak Hall “is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”
“Taking over as head coach after third game in 2018 through the 2023 season we’ve had a lot of success going 42-13,” he said. “Most of that success is because of our great staff, the kids buying into our systems and support from administration and parents. I will always cherish the 10 years I spent there.”
OHS announced on its Facebook page that Randy Brower will serve as the interim head football coach for the 2024 season.
“Randy and the rest of the staff will continue to do a great job for the program this year,” Fuhr said.
According to the Facebook post, Brower has a wealth of football knowledge and a strong commitment to player development. He brings five years of experience to the football program, and he also served as an assistant coach for the Eagles’ track and field team.
“I am thrilled to have Randy Brower as our head football coach for next season,” said Oak Hall Athletics Director Edwin McTureous. “His unmatched passion for developing athletes ensures that our football program will continue to thrive. Our Eagles are in great hands.”
Brower’s familiarity should help make for an easier transition.
“I have been coaching these kids for five years,” Brower said. “I have coached them in football, track and off seasonal training which means some of these guys have been around me all year long. That much time has created some unique bonds. To be a head coach for them is quite an honor.”
Despite the change, he embraces the challenges.
“Coach R.J. has put together an awesome staff,” Brower said. “So even with his departure, the system will run smoothly. We will have a much more challenging season with the quality of our opponents, which is what both coaches and players wanted this season.”
In addition to a challenging schedule, Brower has an even tougher assignment.
“To fill Coach R.J.’s shoes with recruiting for colleges will be the biggest challenge,” he said. “He spent so much time and effort getting his boys to the next level. Those will be some big shoes to fill.”
After the 2024 football season, Oak Hall will conduct a national search for its permanent head football coach.
The Eagles will play their regular season opener at Bell on Friday, Aug. 16.