Bayshore High School hires former NFL player to be head coach

Bayshore High School has appointed a former NFL player as its new head football coach. Ace Sanders, a former standout at Manatee High and the University of South Carolina who later played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been announced as the Bruins' next coach.

Sanders steps into the role previously held by Jamaal Sanders, who recently resigned to take a non-coaching position at another county school for the upcoming academic year. Jamaal Sanders had been leading Bayshore's football team since 2020. This marks Ace Sanders' first head coaching role in the area. According to a news release, Sanders will hold his first team meeting on Monday at 3 p.m. at the school.

At South Carolina, Sanders was known for his explosive abilities as a punt returner and wide receiver. In 2012, he earned All-SEC first team honors as a return specialist and second team honors for all-purpose yards.

Sanders set a program record with 429 punt return yards in a season, averaging 15.3 yards per return, which ranked fourth in the nation. He had notable punt return touchdowns, including a 70-yarder against Georgia, a 50-yarder against LSU, and a standout performance against Michigan in the Outback Bowl. In that bowl game, Sanders recorded nine catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns, along with a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown, earning him MVP honors.

During his two NFL seasons with the Jaguars, Sanders had 57 receptions for 539 yards and one touchdown.