There were 105 coaching changes in Georgia high school football this year. One of the more interesting moves had Sandy Creek coach Chip Walker transferring to Newnan to take over the Cougars program. Chip had spent the last twelve years spending most of his time winning games and GHSA championships as he amassed a record of 127 wins, just 26 losses and one kiss your sister tie. He also led the Fighting Patriots to state titles in 2009, 2010, and 2012. Those stats are just remarkable.

So in his first season in his new job, the Cougars dropped their first three games to some pretty talented teams and then last week chalked up the first win of the Chip Walker's era at Newnan, with a 42-14 win over Washington.

Chip is excited about this year’s team.  On defense, Trejan Bridges leads the defensive secondary, linebacker Brandon Moore is leading the team in tackles and sophomore Eric Jeter is the heart and soul of the defensive line.

On offense, the Cougars have a terrific wide receiver in P. J. Harris who has committed to Georgia Tech and a couple of good running backs in Mautavier Parks and Bryson Moss.

And at quarterback, its Bryant Walker…….that’s right the coach’s son is the starting quarterback.  Bryant had started for his dad for 24 games while at Sandy Creek and came to Newnan to play for his dad his senior season.  “For sure, Bryant had to be on board with the move and he is,” says the coach.  

“As a dad it’s a lot of fun to be able to watch him practice and play every day, and as a coach, it’s great that my starting quarterback has 24 starts under his belt.” I could see the twinkle in his eye and the smile on his face right through the telephone. Chip enjoys being the “Dad” and the “Coach”.

Coach Walker brought five assistants with him to Newnan and is bringing that winning attitude to the Cougar Nation. “First thing I told the team is that we came here to win championships.  First, it will be Region championships and then the goal will be state championships.  We want to build a winning program that is successful year in and year out and the Newnan community is excited and behind us one hundred percent”,

Now, as I was wrapped up our conversation I asked him, how his dad was doing. I first met Chip’s Dad, Rodney, when I was doing a story for GPB’s Sports Extra show many many years ago. Rodney was coaching Mary Persons, and Chip was at Sandy Creek and they were getting ready for a scrimmage game. Rodney went on to win 300 games in the state of Georgia and Chip tells me he is helping coach the 9th grade team at Newnan.  I am going out on a limb and saying he may be the only 9th grade coach in the country with 300 varsity wins.  But that what it’s like with the Walkers...football is a family affair and that family is now at Newton High School, where that terrific community has a father, son,  and grandson all  helping out the Cougar cause. It won’t be too long before we see this family in Mercedes Benz Stadium.