Damien Rhodes
/ photo: Fayetteville-Manlius S.D.
MANLIUS -- Damien Rhodes, a former Syracuse Orange and NFL football player, has been hired by his old high school to lead their varsity football team.
The Fayetteville-Manlius School District announced Tuesday morning that Rhodes, an all-state running back who graduated from F-M in 2002, will be taking over for Paul Muench. Rhodes played for SU from 2002-05 and played briefly for the Houston Texans and the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe. Rhodes had worked as an assistant coach under Muench since 2008, and was most recently the Hornets’ defensive coordinator.
“When I think about it, it’s awesome,” said Rhodes in a statement provided by F-M. “It’s something that I’m very humbled by and feel blessed to be given this opportunity.”
“This is my chance to now give back and say thank you,” Rhodes added. “I want this program to be the standard of football in the state. I want the community to continue to have something it can take pride in.”
Rhodes lives in Manlius and is a business development director for Midwestern Securities Trading Company. He is also an assistant track coach at F-M since 2011.
The school says Muench resigned in November after 12 years as head coach to spend more time with his family and concentrate on teaching.
“I am thrilled that Damien Rhodes is going to be the next football coach at F-M,” said Muench. “His character, knowledge of the game, work ethic and concern for the players make him an outstanding choice. He will do a great job with the program and will continue to be a positive force in our community.”
Muench also coached Rhodes at F-M.
