Brett Garvin went out on top last season, retiring in February after leading Sandy Creek to the Class 3A championship. Garvin is one of 43 head coaches to win a state title in his final season at his school, and he’s the seventh (noted with asterisk) to retire from coaching entirely after a championship season. That’s assuming he remains retired. This list is since 1948, when the GHSA first held state playoffs in multiple classifications.
*2022 - Brett Garvin, Sandy Creek
2019 - Buddy Nobles, Irwin Co.
2018 - Jimmy Smith, Cedar Grove
*2018 - Jim Dickerson, Clinch Co.
2016 - Jeff Herron, Grayson
2013 - Steven DeVoursney, Griffin
*2012 - T. McFerrin, Jefferson
2011 - Franklin Stephens, Tucker
2006 - Rance Gillespie, Peach Co.
2006 - Blair Armstrong, Peachtree Ridge
1999 - Jeff Herron, Oconee Co.
1993 - David Kelly, Dunwoody
1993 - Charlie Winslette, Greene-Taliaferro
1991 - Buzz Busby, Kendrick
1987 - Bud Theodocion, Morrow
1984 - Rodney Walker, West Rome
1983 - Mike Hodges, West Rome
1983 - Jack Raley, Mitchell-Baker
1981 - Garfield Stephens, Douglass (Montezuma)
1979 - Gary Phillips, Johnson Co.
1979 - Steve Shankweiler, Redan
1978 - Joe Robinson, Westminster
1975 - Gene Brodie, Central (Macon)
*1973 - Fred Shaver, SE Bulloch
*1971 - Wright Bazemore, Valdosta
1969 - Weyman Sellers, Athens
1967 - Paul Leroy, Thomson
*1966 - Ernest Teel, Statesboro
1966 - Ray Lamb, Warren County
1964 - Harold Henderson, Glynn Academy
1964 - Donald Denning, Douglas County
1963 - Doc Ayers, Cedartown
*1962 - Bill Corry, Morgan County
1960 - Buddy Bufford, Lincolnton
1959 - John Donaldson, Wayne County
1955 - Charlie Brake, Morgan Co.
1955 - Glenn Wade, Rossville
1955 - Milton McLaney, Monticello
1952 - Mike Castronis, Hogansville
1950 - Charles Waller, Decatur
1949 - Thomas P. Stewart, Quitman
1948 - Earl Wheby, Fitzgerald
1948 - Ned Warren, Fort Valley
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