Daniel leaving Ringgold for North Gwinnett High

RINGGOLD, Ga. — One of the most successful high school coaches in northwestern Georgia is leaving. Ringgold wrestling coach Phil Daniel has accepted the head coaching job at Class AAAAA North Gwinnett, leaving behind a resume that includes five state championships.

Daniel, who was part of an additional two Ringgold state titles as an assistant coach, has been with the program since 1994. As a head coach, he led six individuals to state titles, including several multiple winners.

“This is just an unbelievable opportunity that kind of fell into my lap,” Daniel said. “I wasn’t really looking, but I was approached at the state tournament and one thing led to another. It’s a great school and it worked out that my wife has a job and my kids loved it. For me personally, this is just a good time to move on.”

With graduation and some returning wrestlers choosing to attend new school Heritage next year, the Tigers were returning only one starter from this year’s Class AAAA dual championship team. That made the move a little easier, according to Ringgold athletic director Robert Akins.

“Part of it is the dynamics of the Heritage deal, where you’re losing kids you’ve grown close to and then you would have to coach against them,” Akins said. “I’m very happy for him. That’s what happens when you do well and win state championships. People want you. I think he’s excited about the new challenge. I know he’s done a great job with our kids.”

Daniel exits believing he’s made a difference.

“I feel like I did everything I could do, especially this year,” he said. “We had a good run, but it’s just a good time for me. I feel rejuvenated, as good as I’ve felt in a long time. I’m looking forward to the future.”

As for the Tigers’ future, Akins says a hiring freeze in Catoosa County may lead to an in-house hire, something he also may have to do for the boys’ basketball opening.

“We may have to wait until it settles down a little bit due to the situation with the hiring freeze,” Akins said. “But we have a lot of people in-house who are qualified, so we feel fortunate. Phil will be a hard one to replace, though.”