List: First-year coaches whose teams are still playing
The 128 remaining playoff teams represent 31.1% of the GHSA’s 412 teams, but only 11.5% of new head coaches have their teams in the second round.
Blessed Trinity: Ed Dudley
Central (Carrollton): Umbrah Brown
Collins Hill: Drew Swick
Early County: Frank Killingsworth
Fellowship Christian: John Thompson
Grayson: Santavious Bryant
McEachern: Kareem Reid
North Gwinnett: Eric Godfree
Statesboro: Matt Dobson
Toombs County: Buddy Martin
Warner Robins: Shane Sams
Whitefield Academy: Robert Walsh
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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.
