Eric Schmitz

Head Coach

Former offensive center from Mercyhurst College. Schmitz was named to Don Hansen’s Football Gazette Preseason All-American team in 2001. He was a 4 year starter in college, starting at guard for year, and the final three years at center. Following his playing career, Coach Schmitz had a stint coaching tight ends for a spring at his alma mater before moving on to Franklin College for 3 seasons. He was Franklin’s running backs coach his first year, offensive line coach his final two years, and offensive coordinator his last year. In addition to his on-field coaching duties, Coach Schmitz also served as the strength and conditioning coordinator. In his first year as offensive coordinator, he transformed Franklin’s offense into one of the nation’s best units. The Grizzlies led the Heartland Conference Athletic Conference (HCAC) in scoring (33.8) and total offense (398.3) per game. The offensive unit also ranked second in passing offense (269.6), passing efficiency (125.2), first downs (210), and red zone scoring offense (73.9). Nationally, the Grizzlies ranked 21st in Division III in passing offense and 32nd in scoring. Schmitz also tutored six All-HCAC offensive players, including four first-team selections. From there, Schmitz moved on to Division II Gannon University for 2 seasons. In addition to his duties as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, Schmitz also served as the strength and conditioning coordinator, and recruiting coordinator. In two years, he was able to coach 6 players who earned All-GLIAC honors on offense, and another 2 players who played arena ball following college. In two years coaching against his alma mater, Schmitz finished with a 1-1 record. The highlight came his first year when Golden Knights were victorious over the Lakers to win the Niagara Cup in front of a sold out crowd at Gannon Stadium. He has also coached 2 years of varsity football for Tarpon Springs and East Lake, and 1 year of JV football for Tarpon Springs. This will be his 5th year coaching varsity football here at Countryside High School. He spent the previous 4 years as the Cougars Offensive Coordinator and quarterbacks coach before becoming head coach.