The Coaching Landscape in Georgia High School Football
Only two Georgia High School Athletic Association (GHSA) football programs — Terrell County and Crawford County — still lack a head coach as the 2025 season approaches.
At Groves, a Class 5A school based in Savannah, the administration announced the hiring of Howard Jordan, a longtime assistant who previously served as offensive coordinator at a neighboring district.
Pataula Charter, located in Donalsonville, also finalized its leadership by naming J.T. Caldwell, a former assistant at Thomasville High, as its new head coach.
A Veteran Voice Returns to the Story
Todd Holcomb, who rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 after a distinguished career that began in 1985, has been covering the coaching carousel across the state. His reporting provides context on how these hires fit into broader trends within Georgia high school football.
The remaining vacancies at Terrell County and Crawford County highlight a competitive market for experienced coaches, with both schools expected to announce their next leaders in the coming weeks.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping team culture, developing game strategies, and guiding student‑athletes both on and off the field. Their absence can affect preseason preparations, player morale, and ultimately the team's performance in the first few games.
As the season unfolds, the newly appointed coaches at Groves and Pataula Charter will be under close scrutiny, while Terrell County and Crawford County hope to attract talent that can restore stability and competitiveness.