The Groves Rebels have named Howard Jordan as their new head football coach, replacing Calvin Wells, who steered the program for the past four seasons. Jordan, a native of Turner County, Georgia, brings a blend of playing experience, wrestling accolades, and a extensive coaching résumé to a school that has not posted a winning record since 2014 and has endured a 0‑10 season just a year ago.
A Coach With a Diverse Background
Jordan’s athletic career began on the gridiron at Turner County High School, where he earned standout honors as a linebacker and running back. He later continued his football journey at Concord University, while also capturing two state wrestling titles at 171 and 189 pounds. His dual‑sport background has shaped a coaching philosophy that emphasizes discipline, strength, and versatility.
Beyond football, Jordan will also oversee the school’s wrestling and track and field programs. His coaching trajectory includes three seasons as an assistant at Irwin County, where he helped guide the team to a state championship in 2019, and stints at Greenville High, Lithonia High, Hephzibah, and most recently Westside‑Macon. In each role he has served as a defensive coordinator, assistant head coach, and strength‑conditioning specialist, earning a reputation for innovative schemes and player development.
Reviving a Struggling Program
Groves’ recent history reflects a steep decline: the last playoff appearance came in 2010 under former coach Greg Hunter, and the program’s most recent winning season was a 6‑4 campaign in 2014 under Mike Martin. After a 0‑10 record in the previous year, the Rebels have lost 16 consecutive games, a streak that has left the community eager for a turnaround.
Athletic director Kevin Evans expressed confidence that Jordan’s energy, work ethic, and deep understanding of the game will be pivotal in reversing the trend. Evans highlighted Jordan’s ability to connect with students, his strategic acumen, and his proven track record of guiding teams to state finals as qualities that made him the clear choice for the position.
Jordan has embraced the challenge head‑on, stating his commitment to rebuilding the program from the ground up while maintaining a strong emphasis on character development. He believes that the combination of his playing experience, wrestling discipline, and coaching expertise will instill the resilience needed to break the losing streak and restore competitiveness.