Campbell to retire after 30 seasons at Peach County

Chad Campbell, who led Peach County to a state championship, three runner-up finishes and 10 region titles in 16 seasons as its football coach, told his players Wednesday that he is retiring after 30 seasons at the middle Georgia school.

Though 30 years makes him retirement eligible in Georgia, Campbell told GHSF Daily that wasn't a factor in his decision.

“I never had a set time; I wasn’t one of those who said I’d go after 30 years,'' Campbell said. "A few weeks ago I got home and sat down with my wife and talked and I cried, and I told her it’s time for someone else to take the reigns. I just felt it was time for Peach County to hear another voice, for somebody else to bring their own brand in.’’

Campbell’s record was 168-38. Peach is tied for fifth in victories statewide during Campbell’s tenure. Only Buford, Calhoun, Cartersville and Grayson have won more games since 2007.

Campbell, a Hawkinsville native, came to Peach in 1993 and later succeeded Rance Gillespie as head coach. In Campbell’s third season, Peach County beat Gainesville 13-12 for the Class 3A title. The Trojans lost in the finals to Burke County in 2011, Calhoun in 2017 and Cedar Grove in 2018.

Peach County was 8-4 this season and won Region 2-3A. Peach lost to Savannah Christian in the second round.

There have been 22 openings at GHSA schools since the end of the regular season.

• See our complete list of schools with openings at head coach.