Job security creeps downward at state high schools

In the NFL and the NCAA’s FBS, as if by design, it was exactly one-in-four this year — eight of 32 in the NFL and 31 of 124 in the FBS.

It’s not all about winning, but losing remains the quickest exit route in Georgia high schools. Of the 90 schools that changed coaches, 59 had losing records. Nine were 0-10, and nine others were 1-9.

Losing is not the only thing that is frowned upon. One highly regarded coach was booted for kicking the behind of a player in practice. He is getting a second change at another school. A handful of others were removed for other grievances.

But it’s not just what you do wrong. Coaches are looking for a better deal, too. Of the 90 departed coaches, 27 took head coaching jobs elsewhere.

And better isn’t always bigger. In two surprising moves, Jeff Herron of mega-power Camden County downsized to Class A-Private Prince Avenue Christian, while Bainbridge’s Ed Pilcher moved to long-suffering Berrien. Those are coaches who have won nine state titles between them.

Colleges are also calling. Auburn added Dell McGee of Carver-Columbus to its noncoaching support staff. Kennesaw State’s new program nabbed two Georgia head coaches.

Then, there are the coaches lucky enough to finish their careers on their own terms. About eight coaches retired, and two were especially noteworthy.

T. McFerrin went out on top at Jefferson, winning a state championship to cap a career that began in 1968. McFerrin was head coach at eight Georgia high schools and led five to the state semifinals or better.

Buck Godfrey won 273 games, the most of any coach in DeKalb County Schools history. Godfrey was a head coach for 30 seasons, all at one school — Southwest DeKalb.

Godfrey was a beacon of a passing era. But McFerrin was a reminder that the revolving door of high school coaches is as old as the forward pass. It just seems to be spinning faster than ever.