Former Cedar Grove coach who won 2 state titles returns to high school football
John Adams, who won two state championships in his three seasons as Cedar Grove’s head coach from 2021 to 2023, is back in high school football as Bradwell Institute’s coach. The coastal Georgia school made the announcement Tuesday.
Adams spent the past two seasons on Georgia State’s staff as the nickel backs coach.
Adams had been Cedar Grove’s defensive backs coach since 2016 and was promoted in 2021. He was on staff for all five Cedar Grove state titles.
Bradwell Institute hasn’t had a winning season since 2017 and only once since 2009. The Tigers were 8-40 in five seasons under Deshon Brock.
Adams is among several coaches in recent years who won high school state titles and then joined college staffs.
Many have returned to Friday night lights. Those include Bill Stewart at Rome this offseason and Carrollton’s Joey King and Parkview’s Adam Clack this decade.
About the Author
Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.
