The sudden departure of Eddie Martin has opened a national search for Norcross to replace its record-setting coach.

Just Wednesday alone — a day after Martin was introduced as the new coach at Greater Atlanta Christian — Blue Devils athletics director Kirk Barton received inquires about the job from Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York and Texas.

"Coach Martin brought this program to where it is, and people want to come here," Barton said. "This is a special place, a special school. Gwinnett's a great place to live; we have a great community. So there are a number of reasons why someone would want to coach here.

"But time is not on our side right now. We've got work to do," he said.

Martin led Norcross to three consecutive Class AAAAA titles from 2006 to '08.

Among those who have applied for the position are Martin's three assistants at Norcross: Kenan Temple, Jesse McMillan and Greg Philips.

"Those are three very good assistants," Barton said. "And they are all qualified and all will get looked at [in the search].

"But I felt we owe it to the school, the community and mostly to the kids to open it up. We're looking for the best possible person available. If that's right here already, so be it. If it's someone from someplace else, so be it."

Martin, 52, retired after 30 years in the Georgia school system, allowing him to draw 60 percent of his final Gwinnett contract. Add his new full-time salary at private GAC, and his move made good financial sense.

"Teachers work hard and they look to that 30-year mark," Barton said. "I knew Eddie was getting close to it and that he could leave someday. To retire and then go into the private-school sector at GAC, I understand his thinking for him and his family."

With the summer in full swing, it is important for Barton and the Norcross search committee to identify a replacement soon.

"Time is not on our side," Barton said. "But we're going to interview as many candidates as we can. If it takes getting here at 6 a.m. and staying into the night, that's what I will do."

He added he hopes to have a new coach recommendation for the July 10 Gwinnett County Board of Education meeting.