Whispers Around The State: 11/5

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As the regular season wraps up this week, Black Monday is fast approaching in Georgia high school football.

Some coaches will soon hear the familiar “we’d like to go in a different direction” speech from their athletic director, officially kicking off coaching carousel season. The dominoes will fall, and we’ll get a clear look at how different administrations handle their openings.

A word of advice: Don’t call a special board meeting at 8 a.m. on a random Tuesday, list personnel as the only executive-session topic, and then emerge with “no action taken.” Looking at you, Rome.

And if someone takes the time to interview for your opening, have the professional decency to let them know you appreciate their time but are moving forward with someone else. It’s not that hard.

With that out of the way, let’s get into the whispers heading into the final Friday of the 2026 regular season. These are developing situations, and the unconfirmed reports below should be treated as such.

• An eligibility decision could shake up the playoff picture. Word is that a current 9–0 team in Class 7A has submitted documentation seeking to avoid a GHSA ruling involving a player’s eligibility for the entire season. If all nine wins are forfeited, that would turn 9–0 into 0–9 and could significantly affect rankings through opponents’ winning percentage (OWP) and opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage (OOWP). A decision is expected today or tomorrow so the brackets can accurately reflect the outcome.
• Two proud programs south of Macon could make head coaching changes this offseason. In our view, both would be foolish to do so. But play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
• Seckinger is open. The program is looking for its third head coach since its inaugural season in 2022. Prospective candidates should get clear answers about the reported repayment obligation to the county for equipment and other purchases, including how those purchases were originally funded. They should also ask what administrative support will look like. Being left alone can sound appealing—until you need help moving the program forward.
• Seckinger may not be the only Gwinnett County opening this cycle. Friday’s results could bring that picture into focus.
• Two reported ultimatums in South Georgia deserve attention. The message, as it’s been relayed to us: Win a state championship, or at least play for one this year, or we’re going in a different direction. Both programs have won or played for a title within roughly the past seven years. Expectations are part of the job, but so is understanding what a head coach can actually control. Both places could use a dose of reality.
• Northeast Georgia could see a few early openings next week. Keep an eye on that part of the state once the regular season ends.
• Three playoff-bound programs below the gnat line could have coaches looking for the exit. We’re hearing that all three head coaches will actively pursue other opportunities, with similar administrative challenges driving their interest in leaving. Good luck to whoever walks into those situations.
• At least two jobs that opened last year have a strong chance of opening again. A new hire doesn’t always mean stability. Some places seem determined to prove it.

The carousel is almost here. We’ll keep following what opens, who moves, and which administrations make an already difficult job even harder.

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