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On Monday, Eric Folmar announced that the end of the 2024-2025 school year will mark his last season at Fort Dale Academy. Folmar, who works as a teacher, head football coach and athletic director for the Eagles delivered the news to school administrators before sharing his decision with the community in a social media post.

The coach thanked school administrators, students, parents and community stakeholders for their support. He said the relationships built during his time at Fort Dale meant more to him that the professional accomplishments made during his tenure.

“I’m just grateful for the personal side of things more than the professional,” Folmar said. “You know, I think the football side of things was great, and we obviously accomplished a lot. But from a personal standpoint, I think I’ve made some lifelong friendships here, and certainly built relationships with kids that I think will last a really long time.”

Folmar said the decision was made with the good of his family in mind. 

“When I took the job, I was a single guy,” Folmar said. “Now, I’m married with two kids. I have a family to look out for. So, [the decision] was about taking care of them and making sure they are put in the right place for the future.”

Fort Dale Headmaster David Sikes said Folmar had talked with administrators prior to making the decision, keeping them informed all along the way. He confirmed that Folmar had several offers on the table but had not yet made a decision about accepting a position with another school.

Folmar said it would be a while before he finalized how the next chapter in his career would take shape.

“There are still some things pending as far as next steps,” Folmar said. “I wanted to give Fort Dale time to start their process to find the next guy to come in and fill this role.”

Sikes said the school’s board of directors would begin taking applications for Folmar’s replacement, adding that successful candidates would fill the roles of teacher, coach and athletic director as Folmar does. He expressed his gratitude for Folmar’s time at Fort Dale.

“I want to thank Coach Folmar for the love and dedication he showed our students,” Sikes said. “I’m thankful for the success he had. We wish him well.”