Even as he was building a phenomenal program at Norcross, coach Eddie Martin said he always had a notion of coaching at Greater Atlanta Christian.

Tuesday, it became more than a notion.

Martin, who coached the Blue Devils to an unprecedented three straight AAAAA boys state basketball championships, was introduced as the new coach of AA Greater Atlanta Christian, ending a brilliant six-year run at Norcross.

"You don't walk away from a program like Norcross and not have some feelings," Martin said, whose career as a coach began 30 years ago at GAC. "Norcross will always be a part of me. It was a very difficult decision. There's nothing wrong at Norcross. It's in great shape . . But the timing was right."

At 52, Martin replaces the departed Mike Mitchell, who moved on to coach in his hometown of Florence, Alabama. A replacement for Martin has not been named by Norcross.

Martin began his coaching career as an assistant 30 years ago at GAC and said he always considered it a place he'd one day like to return. Last year, when Ron Bradley retired, Martin said he turned down an opportunity go to Greater Atlanta Christian.

"The timing just wasn't right," he said. "And I think it worked out for both of us; we won (state AAAAA) again and Coach Mitchell rebuilt this program.

"(GAC) is a special place to me. . . This is all about looking forward to what's happening here."

In his career, Martin compiled a 520-198 overall record, 170-18 at Norcross, including AAAAA championships in 2006, '07 and '08.

"Rest assured (Martin) will get the most out of the talent here," said GAC athletic director Tim Vick, a close friend of Martin's for three decades.

After Martin learned Mitchell was leaving, discussions took place with Vick. By last Thursday, Martin had made up his mind.

He said he told his former players he was leaving in an emotional meeting Tuesday morning.

"It's never easy to leave a job, especially with kids involved," he said. "It was very emotional. I kept it short and sweet. But I also told them I'm only five miles down the road."

Some of his new players were on hand for the announcement Tuesday. Under Mitchell, who won the state AA championship as the girls coach, the boys were 26-4 last year.

"One of my biggest fears is to not let the ship sink," Martin said. "I don't want it to sink, that's why I'm probably going to work harder than anyone else."

And that's what he expects from his players: commitment, hard work and defense.

"It was a shock that Coach Mitchell was leaving," said GAC rising senior guard Taylor Metzer. "It was sad to learn he was going. But it's exciting that we got Coach Martin. I'm still shocked that he left Norcross. We have some talent coming back and expect to have a good year under coach Martin."