Smiley begins work as Sandy Creek’s new head coach

Darius Smiley began last week as Class 3A champion Sandy Creek’s new football coach, filling one of 89 reported offseason hires. Thirteen jobs remain open.

Smiley was coach at Central of Carrollton the past six seasons and got the Lions to the playoffs the past two. He’s a Florida native and former Georgia Southern player who also has coached at Newnan and Riverside Military.

He replaces Brett Garvin, who retired after 22 seasons at Sandy Creek, the past seven as head coach.

In other recent hires, Berkmar hired Hughes offensive coordinator Andrico Hines to replace Cole Meyer. Hines’ offense set a state record for points scored last season during Hughes’ Class 6A championship season.

Discovery, another Gwinnett County school, hired Central Gwinnett assistant Roy Groshek.

South Paulding hired Pebblebrook offensive coordinator Maurice Allen to replace Sumo Robinson, who became head coach at Paulding County.

Rockdale County hired Kenderrick Bonner, who was head coach at Johnson in Savannah.

Click here for a complete list of head coaching hires and openings.