Middleton, Fla. — The Florida Athletic Coaches Association named Richard Pettus to its 2026 Hall of Fame on Wednesday.

Pettus, the head football coach and athletic director of The Villages High School, is set to embark on his 24th year at VHS this fall.

The Tennessee native was named as part of a seven-member class, which also included: 
• Todd Fitz-Gerald (Stoneman Douglas)
• Toby Harbeck (Benjamin)
• Vicky King (Land O' Lakes)
• Scott Klees (Wakulla)
• Matt Morris (Bolles)
• Robbie Zimmerman (Leon)

Along with two dozen years at The Villages, Pettus has spent 33 years coaching in the Sunshine State and is set to begin his 35th year coaching overall.

"I am incredibly honored to be selected into the FACA Hall of Fame," Pettus said. "First and foremost, this honor comes because of my family and their love and support. It's also for both my former and current assistant coaches who've been with me all these years, but also all of the current and former players — they make something as special as this honor become what it is. I also want to thank our school administration and the Morse family for their support here in The Villages. And finally, I want to thank all of my former coaches who have played a role and guided me to where I'm at in my life … and of course, my father, Earl, the biggest inspiration in my life."

The FACA Hall of Fame recognizes members who exemplify dedicated service to the association, outstanding coaching achievements, and years of coaching tenure across the state. Nominees are accepted annually before selections are determined by a voting panel and scoring rubric.

Pettus and the rest of the 2026 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined at an awards banquet on January 10, 2026, in Lake Buena Vista.


Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment at cody.hills@tvcs.org.