The Lee County School District announced suspended North Fort Myers head football coach Ira Riggins Jr. will be able to return to the team following the Aug. 29 game against Port Charlotte.

On Aug. 15, the state dismissed a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery against Riggins stemming from his arrest on July 26 following an argument with his live-in girlfriend. His girlfriend filed an affidavit with the court on Aug. 11, requesting that the case be dismissed and stating she would not testify or cooperate in the prosecution of the charge. Four days later, the state closed the case against Riggins.

The News-Press does not identify victims involved in domestic violence cases.

The school district suspended the first-year coach after his arrest pending an investigation, which has been completed. Former Red Knights head coach Dwayne Mack has served as the team’s interim coach.

Riggins’ suspension will cover three games, the Red Knights’ preseason contest Aug. 14 against Cypress Lake, which the Panthers won 20-14, their season-opener Aug. 22 at home vs. Cape Coral, and the Port Charlotte game. His first game back is scheduled for Sept. 5 at home against Mariner.

North Fort Myers announced Riggins as the football program’s 14th head football on June 3, 2025. The 38-year-old former defensive coordinator replaced David Pasquale, who stepped down in May following spring football after two seasons running the program.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: North Fort Myers Ira Riggins allowed back after domestic battery case dropped