Marion County High School wasted little time and didn’t have to look far to find its new head football coach.
Joey Mathis, offensive coordinator for the Warriors the past two seasons, has accepted an offer to become the program’s coach. He replaces Ricky Ross, who after two seasons at Marion left last Wednesday to become the new defensive coordinator at McCallie.
Mathis, 39, helped guide the Warriors to the Class 2A state championship game the past two seasons, with the team averaging more than 40 points each year. Marion has failed to score 30-plus only five times in 29 games since Mathis began calling plays.
“It wasn’t a hard decision for me,” Mathis said shortly after informing the team of the news Sunday afternoon. “I’ve been here for two years, and even though I didn’t come here with the intention of being a head coach, the players, the other coaches, our administration and the community have really made me feel comfortable.
“My desk is only about six feet from where Rick’s was, but it’s a huge step. When he left it was unexpected, but I am humbled that the people here have that much confidence and trust in me to take over a program with so much history behind it.”