Rumph To Leave American Heritage To Join Alma Mater Miami
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This is the time of year when a lot of changes are made.
That was the case early Monday when SFHSSports learned that American Heritage football coach Mike Rumph stepped down and has accepted a position at the University of Miami's coaching staff.
Rumph, who led American Heritage to back to back Class 5A championships in 2013 and 2014, is reportedly joining Mark Richt's staff as the cornerback's coach – not as the overall defensive back's coach.
Rumph joining the Canes staff falls in line with Richt's recent changes in Coral Gables – cleaning house of the old regime and bringing in his own set of assistants.
It also pleases fans that Rumph is joining staff given his connection to the program. Rumph attended "The U" from 1998 to 2001 and was a part of Miami's 2001 National Championship team – which many consider one of, if not, the best teams in college football history.
Rumph then went on to be a first-round draft pick of San Francisco 49ers and spent a total of six seasons in the NFL with three different teams.
In his three seasons (2013-2015) as American Heritage's head coach – he spent the 2012 season as an assistant under Jeff Dellenbach – Rumph amassed a 36-6 record en route to the two titles. It appeared that Heritage would go for a "three-peat" this past season, but Heritage was derailed by district foe Hallandale in the second round of the playoffs.
No interim coach has been named for American Heritage. Athletic Director Karen Stearns released a statement saying that the school may consider hiring from within – which may not be a bad idea since former professional players Patrick Surtain, Chad Wilson and Orande Gadsen served on the coaching staff under Rumph.