Don Soldinger was a two-year starter for
the Eagles football team, but it was his coaching career that brought
him fame. After graduating from Memphis State, he started coaching as
an assistant at Coral Park and Killian before taking over as head coach
at Southridge in 1977. In two stints heading up the Spartans program,
Don was 104-35-1, winning two state championships in four appearances,
and twice being selected Coach of the Year. His teams set a Miami-Dade
County record for most consecutive victories with 29. He also had two
stints as an assistant at the University of Miami, first under Jimmy
Johnson, then on the staffs of Butch Davis and Larry Coker. Among the
players he coached at The U are linebackers Micheal Barrow and Winston
Moss along with running backs Edgerrin James, Willis McGahee, Clinton
Portis, James Jackson, Frank Gore, Najeh Davenport and Jarrett Payton.
In Don's 16 seasons as an assistant at Miami, the Canes won 158 games,
claiming 1987 and 2001 National Championships, and playing in 14 post-season
bowl games. He is also a member of the University of Miami Sports Hall
of Fame.
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Don Soldinger imparting some wisdom to Frank Gore
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