Trion High School principal Bryan Edge and athletic director Jason Lanham announced the hiring of one of Georgia's top prep assistant coaches to fill the program's head coaching position.
Sean Patrick, who has served as offensive coordinator for some of the state's most prolific offenses in a 14-year career, will replace Justin Brown, who resigned after serving as Trion's head coach for eight years.
"Coach Patrick has turned down several offers, including head coaching offers," Lanham said. "He said he wasn't looking for just any job; rather, he was looking for a truly special job - a head coaching position that came with a place where he could make one last move with his wife, Kayce, and their two boys.
"He wanted a place where he and his family could fully commit to the community and school with their whole heart for the long haul. Coach Patrick firmly believes that Trion is indeed that special place, and he can't wait to lead this proud program."
Patrick most recently was the offensive coordinator at Bleckley County, where he worked under head coach Von Lassiter. The two were also together at Houston County, where Patrick coordinated an offense led by University of Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm for two seasons and scored more than 40 points per game.
Patrick also spent time at Lincoln County, Thomson, West Laurens and Emanuel County Institute. At ECI his offenses produced nearly 1,600 yards of total offense in three seasons, which included a state championship run and undefeated season in 2007.
At Bleckley County, Patrick helped turn around a program that won three games in 2016 to seven wins and more than 30 points per game in 2019. Bleckley head coach Lassiter praised Trion's hiring.
"Sean Patrick has been ready to be a head football coach for quite some time but has been patiently waiting on the right opportunity like Trion before taking this well deserved next step," he said. "The Bleckley County football team, school, and community will be heartbroken and devastated to lose such a tremendous man and coach like Sean, who is genuinely loved and respected by all."
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.