By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Poinciana High football coach Michael Timpson said Monday that his teaching contract at the high school was not renewed by Principal Belynda Pinkston, ending his tenure as the school’s head coach after one season.

Athletic Director Mal Harpell said that he informed the football team members during weightlifting workouts Monday morning that Timpson would not return as the school’s football coach.

Harpell referred questions about Timpson to Pinkston. She did not return a message left at her office Monday evening.

Timpson said that he was dismissed Friday because he has not yet passed the math portion of the teacher certification exam. The exam will be offered again later in the month, he said. Timpson said he offered to accept a paraprofessional position at lower pay on the Poinciana campus until he had an opportunity to take the test again.

“I guess that didn't work for her. She didn’t even let me see the kids to say good bye. I was shocked,” Timpson said. “I want them to know that I didn’t quit. I want to be there with them, but I’m not going to have that opportunity.”

A similar situation occurred at Poinciana three years ago when Coach David Aubrey was released in early June because he had not passed his certification exam.

Poinciana did not win a game during the 2010 season and the team was defeated by Port Orange University High at the spring game, 35-6, in May.

Timpson said that Pinkston did not express dissatisfaction about the football program during the school year.

“After the (spring game) she told me Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Timpson said.

Timpson was a high school football and track standout in Florida and later at Penn State University. He played as a receiver in the NFL for the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles in the 1990s.

Timpson said he plans to continue his coaching career as an assistant coach. He said he has spoken with several people about a coaching position, some in the local area.

Only two assistant football coaches remain on the Poinciana staff to supervise the summer workout program, Harpell said.

Harpell said that the school has received about 20 applications for the football job since it was posted Friday afternoon.