American Heritage names former Miami Dolphin Patrick Surtain head football coach

Plantation American Heritage announced Friday it is putting a familiar face and another former NFL player in charge of its football program.

Only four days after former coach Mike Rumph stepped down to rejoin his alma mater, the University of Miami, the Patriots promoted defensive coordinator and former Dolphins star cornerback Patrick Surtain to the team’s head-coaching position.

Surtain spent the past three seasons as American Heritage’s defensive coordinator, coaching under Rumph. Surtain was part of the Patriots’ back-to-back state championships in 2013 and 2014 in Class 5A and a regional semifinals appearance this past season.

An 11-year NFL veteran, Surtain is well-known locally for his seven stellar seasons as a cornerback for the Dolphins.

Surtain, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, finished his career playing four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Born in New Orleans, Surtain starred at Edna Karr High and later at the University of Southern Mississippi before being drafted by the Dolphins in 1998.

“Patrick Surtain has strong leadership skills and an incredible knowledge of the sport,” American Heritage athletic director Karen Stearns said.

“He shares the vision of our school and cares for his players both as individuals and as student-athletes. There is no doubt he will continue to instill a strong work ethic and character in the players.”

As part of American Heritage’s coaching staff, Surtain has been able to guide his son, Patrick Jr., a 6-2, 170-pound sophomore cornerback who made All-State first team this past season for the Patriots.

American Heritage has gone 35-6 over the past three seasons and is one of two schools in Broward County to win back-to-back state championships.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 12:21 PM with the headline "American Heritage names former Miami Dolphin Patrick Surtain head football coach."