Discovery coach Hepler hired at Forsyth Central

Forsyth Central announced Frank Hepler as its new head football coach on Friday.

Hepler leaves Discovery, the newest high school in Gwinnett County, after starting the program last fall and coaching it through a junior varsity season.

Discovery is set to play its first varsity season in 2016, but Hepler wanted to move closer to his home in Forsyth County, where he coached at West Forsyth for its first seven years (2007-13), compiling a 51-18 record.

Hepler took a job in his native Florida during the 2014 season to be closer to family but was not able to sell his Forsyth County home, according to the Forsyth County News.

“My wife and I thought it would be great to get back to where we love,” Hepler told the newspaper. “Six months ago. Two months ago. I never foresaw this happening. I believe it's all in God's plans.”

Hepler’s career coaching record is 189-56. Forsyth Central, 4-6 last season under Shane Williamson, has not made the playoffs since 2001.

Meanwhile, Discovery becomes the first Gwinnett County school to have a football head coaching opening this off-season. It should be an attractive job. New Gwinnett schools have a history of winning quickly. Archer, opened in 2009, has averaged 11 wins over the past three seasons. Lanier, opened in 2010, has averaged 10 wins over the past three seasons.