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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Winning HSFB coaches in short supply
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s bad news for the 37 Georgia high schools still looking for a football coach. If they’re looking for a proven winner, they probably won’t find it.
Of 38 coaches hired (out of 75 openings), only about 10 have won consistently or recently at their former schools. Four of those came from out of state. Eight other hires were head coaches from teams that went 5-5 or worse last season, and 17 were assistant coaches in 2007.
My questions for the gallery…
Which schools have made the best hires? My list: Bainbridge (Ed Pilcher), Colquitt County (Rush Propst), Dodge County (Lee Campbell), Northview (Jim Showfety), Toombs County (Shane Williamson) and Houston County (Greg Robinson).
What are the best jobs still open? Central Gwinnett, Archer (new school in Lawrenceville), Union Grove, Swainsboro.
And how would you choose a coach? If the team has been winning, promote an assistant, as GAC did with Ken Robinson.
Some coaches with nice experience are coming from out of state, but unless they’re from Florida or Alabama, where the football culture is similar to Georgia’s, those moves are risky.
Instead, go with someone you know. Don’t let some stranger wow you with a good interview. McEachern took Kyle Hockman, and Kell snagged Derek Cook, two coaches without sterling resumes but with the respect of the local coaches they’ve competed against.
Be wary of strangers.
Kick off the debate: Weigh in with your thoughts on Todd’s questions (see above) right here.
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