Coral Springs High School alum Joe Franco named head baseball coach returning to lead his former program

Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs High School is turning to one of its own to lead the next chapter of its baseball program, as longtime coach and former alum Joe Franco has officially been named the new head baseball coach of the Colts. The announcement marks a full-circle moment for Franco, who once wore the same uniform as a student-athlete and now returns decades later to guide the program from the dugout.

A member of the Class of 2002, Franco’s connection to Coral Springs High School runs deep. He spent four years playing under coach Frank Bumbales before continuing his baseball journey at Palm Beach Community College and later Nova Southeastern University. Now, more than 20 years after graduating, he says the opportunity to return home feels both personal and meaningful.

“It took me 20 years to get where I’m supposed to be, and I’m excited for what the future holds for Colts Baseball,” Franco said. “Being a former player at Coral Springs High School, nothing gives me more joy than knowing I’ll have an impact on the student-athletes who call Coral Springs High School home.”

Franco arrives with a long coaching resume built across Broward County and beyond. He began his coaching career at Monarch High School before taking over as head coach at Coral Glades High School, where he would spend nine seasons shaping the program. During that stretch, his teams captured two district championships and made seven appearances in the regional playoffs, establishing him as one of the more consistent high school coaches in the area.

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His efforts did not go unnoticed. Franco was named Broward County Coach of the Year twice, earning the honor in both 2012 and 2015. Those awards reflected not just wins, but a reputation for building disciplined and competitive teams year after year.

Most recently, Franco led Boca Raton Community High School, where the Bobcats finished the season with a 14-9 record. Across his coaching career, he has now accumulated 251 career victories, a milestone that underscores both longevity and steady success at the high school level.

Now, however, he faces a very different challenge.

Coral Springs is entering a rebuilding phase after a strong five-year stretch under former coach John Brown. The roster situation is thin, with fewer than five returning varsity players and no junior varsity team over the past four seasons. It is a rare reset for a program with a history of competitiveness, and Franco steps into the role knowing patience will be part of the process.

Still, the new head coach appears ready for the task. Rather than being discouraged by the roster turnover, he and his staff are approaching the situation as an opportunity to rebuild the Colts program from the ground up, focusing on fundamentals, culture, and long-term development.

Beyond wins and losses, Franco’s coaching legacy also includes player development at the next level. Over the years, he has helped 48 student-athletes move on to college baseball programs, building pathways that extend far beyond high school competition. Among them is former Coral Glades standout Angelo Smith, who was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2025 MLB Draft, a milestone that highlights Franco’s impact on individual careers.

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In his statement, Franco also expressed gratitude for the support of school leadership and the trust placed in him to lead the program’s future direction.

“I am thankful for Principal Dwayne Dixon trusting me with the program, Franco added. ” He has done an incredible job getting Coral Springs High School back to one of the best high schools in Broward County. Our focus is on building a program that succeeds in the classroom, on the baseball field, and throughout the Coral Springs community.”

As Franco takes over the Colts program, expectations are measured but the vision is clear. The focus now shifts to rebuilding a foundation, restoring depth, and developing young talent that can grow into a competitive force once again. For a coach returning to where it all began, the mission is as personal as it is professional, and Coral Springs is betting on familiarity, experience, and long-term development to guide the way forward.