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Georgia High School Football: Highest-paid head coaches in the Peach State

Wg0vf-nP_400x400by: Keegan Pope05/29/25bykeeganpope

High school football is big business in Georgia, as evidence by Buford High‘s new $62 million stadium that is set to open this fall.

The state features dozens of the country’s top recruits each year, and also some of its best programs. In 2024, four Peach State teams finished in the top-25 of the On3 Composite High School Football Team Ranking. That included two in the top 10: Milton (No. 4) and Grayson (No. 7).

However, neither of their head coaches were among the 100 highest paid coaches during the 2024 season, according to data collected by Brooks Carter of NWGA Football. In fact, of the seven state championship winners in 2024 — which both Milton and Grayson did — six of the coaches were not on the list.

Bowdon‘s Rich Fendley, Calhoun‘s Clay Stephenson, Carver-Columbus‘s Pierre Coffey, Grayson‘s Santavious Bryant, Milton‘s Ben Reaves Jr., and North Oconee‘s Tyler Aurandt all fell outside the top 100 in total compensation.

Leading the way was Carrollton’s Joey King, who pulled in $219,125 while leading the Trojans to a berth in the 6A state title game. Rome head coach John Reid was the second-highest paid at $188,457, while Gainesville’s Josh Niblett brought in $175,706.

In total, each of the top 100 on the list — all of whom come from public schools where records are available — made over $100,000. And 37 of them made more than $125,000.

Top 10 highest-paid Georgia high school football coaches

1. Joey King (Carrollton) $219,215

2. John Reid (Rome) $175,706

3. Josh Niblett (Gainesville) $175,706

4. Bryant Appling (Buford) $173,688

5. Shelton Felton (Valdosta) $152,421

6. Franklin Stephens (Burke County) $151,545

7. Sean Calhoun (Colquitt County) $148,421

8. Byron Slack (Cook County) $146,117

9. Adam Carter (Lowndes) $145,471

10. Roger Holmes (Dublin) $144,859