LIST
LIST

The 33 coaches in GHSA who have won state titles in their first seasons

Four of the 21 coaches to win a state title in their debut season at their first-ever head coaching job did it in the last 7 years.
Carver of Columbus coach Jarvis Jones celebrates with the trophy after their 24-7 win against Hapeville Charter in the Class 2A football championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. Jarvis is among 33 coaches in GHSA history to win a state title in his first season at a new school and one of 21 to win in his first year as a head coach at any school. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Carver of Columbus coach Jarvis Jones celebrates with the trophy after their 24-7 win against Hapeville Charter in the Class 2A football championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. Jarvis is among 33 coaches in GHSA history to win a state title in his first season at a new school and one of 21 to win in his first year as a head coach at any school. (Jason Getz/AJC)
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Titles in first seasons

Kenny Dallas at Hebron Christian and Jarvis Jones at Carver of Columbus won state championships in their first seasons with their new schools last season.

They are among only 33 in GHSA history to accomplish that feat.

Jones also is among 21 to win state titles in their first head-coaching job at any school. Those coaches are noted with asterisks.

Dallas had coached at previous schools and won a state title at Trinity Christian. Dallas stepped down this past offseason, turning over the reigns to Quentin Davie.

2025 - Kenny Dallas, Hebron Christian

2025 - *Jarvis Jones, Carver (Columbus)

2021 - *John Adams, Cedar Grove

2020 - *Casey Soliday, Irwin County

2019 - *Bryant Appling, Buford

2019 - *Miguel Patrick, Cedar Grove

2017 - Bill Stewart, North Gwinnett

2016 - Jeff Herron, Grayson

2016 - *Alan Rodemaker, Valdosta

2013 - *James Leonard, Aquinas

2013 - Olten Downs, Creekside

2004 - *Bryan Way, Warner Robins

2004 - *Jim Dickerson, Clinch County

1994 - Maurice Freeman, Brooks County

1985 - Charlie Winslette, West Rome

1984 - Rodney Walker, West Rome

1984 - Luther Welsh, Thomson

1978 - *Lloyd Bohannon, Griffin

1975 - Mike Battles Sr., Irwin County

1970 - Wayman Creel, Lakeside (Atlanta)

1968 - Joe Compton, Thomson

1964 - *Donald Denning, Douglas County

1959 - *Minton Williams, Dublin

1959 - *John Tillitski, Albany

1958 - *Hervey W. Amick, Stephens County

1958 - *Joe Sumrall, Thomasville

1956 - *Bill Corry, Morgan County

1956 - *Frank Inman, Richmond Academy

1956 - *Bobby Holland, Jasper County

1952 - *Lindy McGee, Calhoun

1951 - *Glen Yancey, Cordele

1950 - Harold Herrington, Quitman

1948 - *Earl Wheby, Fitzgerald

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.

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Jarvis Jones led alma mater Carver (Columbus) to a 2025 championship in his first season as a high school head coach. Carver is the unanimous No. 1 Class 3A team in the AJC Varsity/GHSF Daily 2026 preseason composite rankings. (Jason Getz/AJC 2025)

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