February 18, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cocoa High School Names Nate Hooks as Head Football Coach
Cocoa, FL — February 18, 2026 Cocoa High School is proud to announce Nate Hooks as the next head coach of the Cocoa Tigers. A Cocoa graduate and Hall of Famer, Coach Hooks returns to lead a tradition rich program at a school built on opportunity and the power of community.
Coach Hooks brings a winning record and a reputation for helping student athletes earn college scholarships. At Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, he compiled an overall record of 48–36 across eight seasons and delivered the school’s first ever FHSAA playoff win. In 2023 at Melbourne Central Catholic, he led a dramatic turnaround to 9–3 and a district championship, the program’s best season in seven years.
Hooks served as Quarterbacks Coach on the Tigers’ 2022 and 2024 state championship teams as well as the 2025 state semifinal (Final Four) squad, mentoring an elite quarterback room and elevating passing game performance alongside Cocoa’s offensive staff.
“Cocoa High is a school of opportunity where academics, athletics, and community work together,” said AD David Kintigh. “Coach Hooks is a Cocoa Tiger who has delivered results and relentlessly advocates for student athletes’ college scholarship opportunities. We’re proud to see a Cocoa alumnus step into the head coach role. Coach Hooks has long been part of our standard of excellence and feel confident that his leadership will carry-on the winning traditions of the Cocoa High football program.”
“I’m honored to lead the Tigers,” said Coach Nate Hooks. “Cocoa is special—its people, its PRIDE, and its expectations. I, along with my coaching staff, will serve this community, develop our young men, and compete with class. Integrity and discipline will be the foundation of that work. Most importantly, we’ll work every day to help our student athletes earn opportunities at the next level.”
About Cocoa High School
Cocoa High School is one of Florida’s most storied programs, owning seven state championships: 2008 (3A), 2009 (2A), 2010 (2A), 2016 (4A), 2022 (2S), 2023 (2S), 2024 (2A), and a state semifinal (Final Four) appearance in 2025. The Tigers continue to set a standard of excellence supported by a proud, engaged community.
Media Contact:
David Kintigh, AD
Kintigh.david@brevardschools.org
Cocoa High School Names Nate Hooks as Head Football Coach
Cocoa, FL — February 18, 2026 Cocoa High School is proud to announce Nate Hooks as the next head coach of the Cocoa Tigers. A Cocoa graduate and Hall of Famer, Coach Hooks returns to lead a tradition rich program at a school built on opportunity and the power of community.
Coach Hooks brings a winning record and a reputation for helping student athletes earn college scholarships. At Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, he compiled an overall record of 48–36 across eight seasons and delivered the school’s first ever FHSAA playoff win. In 2023 at Melbourne Central Catholic, he led a dramatic turnaround to 9–3 and a district championship, the program’s best season in seven years.
Hooks served as Quarterbacks Coach on the Tigers’ 2022 and 2024 state championship teams as well as the 2025 state semifinal (Final Four) squad, mentoring an elite quarterback room and elevating passing game performance alongside Cocoa’s offensive staff.
“Cocoa High is a school of opportunity where academics, athletics, and community work together,” said AD David Kintigh. “Coach Hooks is a Cocoa Tiger who has delivered results and relentlessly advocates for student athletes’ college scholarship opportunities. We’re proud to see a Cocoa alumnus step into the head coach role. Coach Hooks has long been part of our standard of excellence and feel confident that his leadership will carry-on the winning traditions of the Cocoa High football program.”
“I’m honored to lead the Tigers,” said Coach Nate Hooks. “Cocoa is special—its people, its PRIDE, and its expectations. I, along with my coaching staff, will serve this community, develop our young men, and compete with class. Integrity and discipline will be the foundation of that work. Most importantly, we’ll work every day to help our student athletes earn opportunities at the next level.”
About Cocoa High School
Cocoa High School is one of Florida’s most storied programs, owning seven state championships: 2008 (3A), 2009 (2A), 2010 (2A), 2016 (4A), 2022 (2S), 2023 (2S), 2024 (2A), and a state semifinal (Final Four) appearance in 2025. The Tigers continue to set a standard of excellence supported by a proud, engaged community.
Media Contact:
David Kintigh, AD
Kintigh.david@brevardschools.org