Mike McGlynn tapped as head coach at West Orange High

The Warriors have found their new head coach.

Since West Orange High School’s game against Evans back on Friday, Sept. 13, Mike McGlynn has been the man in charge, and his work ethic and results didn’t go unnoticed by the administration. 

On Monday, Oct. 21, McGlynn was officially announced as the new head coach of the football program — though he had actually found out about the decision the previous week.

“I find out last Thursday — before we go out for senior night — that they were going to take off the interim tag and name me head football coach at West Orange High School,” said McGlynn, who had previously served as the Warrior’s offensive-line coach. “I’m very excited about the future of West Orange football. I’m very humbled that I was selected to be the next football coach … and I look forward to serving (the) Winter Garden community — not just with our high-school football — but our community in whole from top to bottom.”

McGlynn originally arrived at the school to serve as the offensive-line coach. His experience in football included four years as a starter at guard for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2008 NFL Draft. From 2008 to 2015, McGlynn saw time with the Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints.

His time in the NFL was revolutionary in how he approaches football, as McGlynn got the opportunity to play under coaches like Andy Reid, Marvin Lewis and Sean Payton.

“Andy Reid is one of my biggest mentors besides my father,” McGlynn said. “I was able to be around some tremendous leaders of men — Andy Reid being the top for me, and Sean Payton being very renowned in my eyes and a great leader and play caller.”

I’m very excited about the future of West Orange football. I’m very humbled that I was selected to be the next football coach … and I look forward to serving (the) Winter Garden community — not just with our high-school football — but our community in whole from top to bottom.”

— Mike McGlynn

During his time with some of the league’s most influential coaches, McGlynn had the chance to really glean information that he saw would be beneficial to a football player. 

Of all the things he took away from his time as a professional, it was the simplest thing that has stuck with him throughout the years. 

“The biggest thing I learned about my NFL career is what is great communication, and what’s not good communication,” McGlynn said. “Sitting back and watching those great leaders lead, I’ve learned a lot and look to apply those life lessons to our young men at West Orange.”

One of the biggest challenges McGlynn has had to face thus far is the coaching change itself. Taking over the program midway through the season is tough, and that’s not lost on McGlynn.

Transition is difficult in general, especially when it happens amidst a busy season. There are growing pains that McGlynn won’t shy away from, but there are also opportunities to get better with a change in culture, he said.

“Our practices are more uptempo, our transition from our weight room to the field is more efficient and more structured and we are just trying to take advantage of every minute that we have to get better,” McGlynn said. “That’s one thing that is a little bit of a culture thing that we’re going to implement.”

The excitement of being able to take the reins of a program and push it forward is something exciting for both McGlynn and his team. 

And what better way is there to officially kick off a new era, than against a rival team? That’s what McGlynn and the Warriors get to look forward to this Thursday, Oct. 24, as West Orange takes on Ocoee in the “Shield Game.”

“My focus right now is Thursday night against Ocoee, and focusing on what we need to do to be prepared to put out our best effort,” McGlynn said.