In this episode, you get a breakdown of the massive Georgia high school football coaching carousel with 89 changes across the state. Jon Nelson and Hannah Goodin sit down with new Rockmart head coach Rich Fendley to discuss his move, reclassification challenges, and expectations in Class AAA. We also highlight key hires, major program shifts, and what this unprecedented offseason means for the future of Georgia football.

Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast Logo

 

The Georgia high school football landscape is shifting in a big way. With 89 coaching changes across the state, Jon Nelson and Hannah Goodin dig into one of the most active offseasons in recent memory. Reclassification, family decisions, and the natural cycle of coaching careers have combined to create a rare moment of widespread transition.

At the center of the conversation is Rich Fendley, who leaves Bowdon after a dominant run to take over at Rockmart. He shares why the timing felt right, what drew him to a program on the cusp of a title, and how moving up in classification changes everything from roster depth to weekly competition. “Football is football,” he says, but the path to a championship looks different in a region full of powerhouse programs.

The episode also surveys the broader carousel, highlighting notable moves across Georgia and the ripple effects connecting programs statewide. From returning veteran coaches to new faces arriving from out of state, the discussion paints a picture of a sport constantly evolving, where opportunity, ambition, and timing collide to reshape the map each season.