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Tim Cokely
White County High School is in search of a new football coach after Tim Cokely announced Nov. 29 he is stepping down position after leading the program for the past five years.
Cokely, who was hired in 2017, released a statement Monday afternoon explaining his decision.
“Today I am announcing my resignation as the Head Football Coach at White County High School,” Cokely said. “This past season was my fifth year as the head coach here and was my 32nd
year coaching high school football; 26 of which have been as a head coach.White County has been good to me and my family and we are truly grateful for the trust they placed in us by allowing us to fill this role. When I interviewed for this position I made two promises to the hiring committee. First, I promised that we would give an honest day's work for an honest day's wage ie.work hard. Our coaches have worked tirelessly to help White County Football succeed. Second, I promised to leave it better than we found it and we have done that also. The future is bright and the 2022 season is going to be a great one for White County Football.”
Cokely leaves White County with a 179-97 career record in both Georgia and Florida. Cokely led North Florida Christian to six state titles in 12 seasons from 1995-2009.
Cokely will finish the the academic year at WCHS, and said he will help the with the transition once a new coach is named. He also said he has no plans to seek another coaching job in the future.
“Moving forward I am going to finish the year here at White County High School,” Cokely said. “I have learned to never say never so I won't, but I have no plans to ever coach again. During this transition we will do everything in our power to help the new coach, in whatever capacity he sees fit, to ensure he gets off on the right foot. Thanks again to all who have helped us. I will always be a Warrior.”
WCHS athletic director Lloyd Collins thanked Cokely for what he has done for the program and school over the past five years.
“We want to thank Coach Cokely for his commitment and service to our school and program for the last five years,” Collins said. “Coach Cokely has worked tirelessly for the student-athletes in White County and certainly moved the program forward over the past five years. We want to wish Coach Cokely the best moving forward.”
Collins said a search for Cokely's replacement will begin immediately.
“While change is never easy, our focus now turns to hiring the next person that will lead our football program,” Collins said. “Our goal will be to find an individual who will continue building on the success of our current program and make White County football a contender in the region year in and year out.
According to Collins, the school administration will form a search committee and will hold at least two rounds of interviews. Collins said no time table has been set yet for the interviews or when the school hopes to have the new coach in place.