Kevin McElhaney leaving Trojans job

photo Gordon Lee coach Kevin McElhaney.

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. - Kevin McElhaney is putting his coaching career on hold to spend more time with his family. The Gordon Lee High School football coach resigned his post this week after six years and 28 wins.

"It was just time," the 1983 Gordon Lee graduate said. "With my family getting older and with two girls playing sports in the fall, this was the right time for me. When you don't get to see them play it's tough as a daddy."

McElhaney, who took the Trojans to three playoff appearances, also wanted to leave the program in good shape for his successor. The Trojans lose only five seniors from last year's 4-6 team.

"It's also a good time for the program because it's in good shape with all the athletes we have coming back and the playoffs will be different next year," he said, referring to the separation of public and private schools in Class A next year. "Ever who comes in next year should enjoy success right away, and that's nice to know. When I took over six years ago I enjoyed that same kind of success."

Athletic director Greg Ellis said he expects significant interest in the job.

"We think it's a great job and the team does return a lot of experience next year," he said. "We haven't discussed the [coaching] search yet, but I'm sure it will begin soon."

McElhaney said he will remain at the school as a teacher and isn't ruling out re-joining the coaching ranks someday.

"It's going to be a big change for me since for 24 years I've always coached in the fall," he said. "I do know that I'll be the team's biggest fan next year. I graduated from here, and I've been here 10 years as a coach and I want to retire here. And, who knows, maybe when my oldest ones graduate I might want to get back into it."

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