After a season away, Davis returns as Plantation’s coach

After one year away, Steve Davis has returned as football coach at Plantation.

Plantation reached out to Davis, who coached the Colonels for 11 seasons before stepping away in 2015, following its dismissal on Dec. 1 of first-year coach Jesse Norris. After taking time over the holidays to mull it over, Davis took the reins again on Wednesday.

“I love the school and the program and decided to come back,” Davis said. “I’m excited, ready to get to work and get this program back on top again.”

Davis, 47, also served as coach at Blanche Ely from 1998-2003, leading the Tigers to a state title in 2002. He took over at Plantation in 2004 and had a career record of 121-65 before deciding to take a year-long break.

During his time away, Davis still found himself at local high school football games most Friday nights.

“The competitive side of me was still burning,” he said.

His return is bringing out optimism for the program after the Colonels’ 2-8 season.

Plantation athletic director Will Banks was thrilled with the hire: what turned out to be an expedited search has brought back a coach who knows the program and knows success.

“It did put a big smile on my face and a feeling of relief that we have somebody — and it’s Davis,” Banks said.

Former AD Ozell White, who previously worked with Davis, said in a text message: “Elated to see Coach Davis return. Big Red is getting READY to ROLL!”

During his first run with the Colonels, Plantation was consistently competitive, reaching the playoffs each of his last four seasons and six of his final eight.