Last month, Cornelius Ingram‘s fate seemed determined after he resigned as Hawthorne football coach.
The Florida football legend orchestrated a legendary run at his alma mater — HHS — with three FHSAA Rural State Championships and a 104-22 record. But the coach was ready for a new challenge away from his home.
Advertisement
Turns out, though, you don’t know how much you miss home until you leave — or at least consider leaving. In the five weeks since The Sun reported Ingram’s intentions to leave the program, Ingram learned that firsthand.
And, now, he’s back.
Ingram will return as the Hornets head football coach for 2026, HHS athletic director and Ingram’s older brother Greg Bowie confirmed to The Sun Wednesday evening, Feb. 25.
The legend appeared destined to land a new role in the area after his resignation on January 15. Both Bradford and Williston had openings at the time of Ingram’s decision. The Red Devils and Tornadoes ultimately went in different directions with WHS hiring Hawthorne defensive coordinator Cedderick Daniels and BHS going with Valdosta (Georgia) offensive coordinator Ross Baker.
Advertisement
Ingram starred for Florida football from 2004-2008. He became a fan favorite, helping the Gators win two national titles. After injuries halted his NFL career, Ingram returned to his alma mater in 2015.
In 11 magical years, he took a moribund HHS program and turned them into a powerhouse. Ingram compiled 104-22 record and won state championships in 2022, 2023 and 2025. His Hornets defeated Blountstown 24-8 in December to become the first program in Alachua County to win three state championships. The Florida Dairy Farmers named him the Rural Class Coach of the Year.
Ingram said that if there was any season to defeat HHS, it was this past one. That means he rejoins a talented roster, including Small School and Florida Dairy Farmers Rural Player of the Year QB Richard Roundtree and All-Area running back Derryick Gillins. Both will be juniors in 2026.
With Ingram’s decision, all head coaching vacanies in the Gainesville-area have been filled.
Advertisement
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 and on Instagram @Ramreporter. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Cornelius Ingram returns as Hawthorne football coach after resignation
