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Football is religion in the state of Georgia. While the Bulldogs might reign supreme in the Peach State, high school football certainly has its place.
Before getting to UGA or Georgia Tech, local fans have the opportunity to watch budding superstars compete for their schools’ varsity squads. The coaches leading those players are paid handsomely for success.
Salary information of the top earners in the sport has been unveiled. Georgia high school football coaches are not hurting for money.
Highest Paid High School Football Coaches In Georgia
There are nine coaches in Georgia that make more than $145,000 annually. The top earner eclipses the $200,000 mark.
To clarify, some of these coaches may not still be with the schools listed beside their name as these totals are from before the 2025 season. Also, no private schools made the list as they do not need to disclose salary information.
Let’s take a look at these highest paid leaders, detailing school, success, and obviously, salary. We’ll start at No. 10.
Adam Carter, Lowndes High School
Lowndes is a power in Valdosta, Georgia AKA “Winnersville.” The program won 5A State Titles in 1980, 1999, 2004, 2005, and 2007.
Entering the 2025 season, the school was ranked as the 16th best in the state of Georgia, and 81st nationally. Head coach Adam Carter makes $145,471 per year.
Byron Slack, Cook High School
Cook is located in Adel, Georgia and competes in Division AA where they’re currently considered a Top 15 team in the state. Head coach Byron Slack is reaping the benefits.
Slack is making $146,117 yearly after his promotion from being the defensive coordinator at previously mentioned Lowndes.
Sean Calhoun, Colquitt County
Colquitt County High School is another Top 15 power in the Peach State, though they compete at the 6A Division. In 2015, they won a High School Football National Championship.
Sean Calhoun is the Hornets’ current head coach. He’s raking in $148,421 annually.
Franklin Stephens, Burke County
The Burke County Bears play their football in Waynesboro, which is located in the Augusta metro area. In 2011, they won the 3A state championship.
The school was home to former pro athletes Jonathan Broxton, Cornelius Washington, and DeVonte Lambert. Head football coach Franklin Stephens is listed as making $151,545 per year.
Shelton Felton, Valdosta High School
Valdosta is the second high school in the area to make this list, coming in at No. 5. The Wildcats, who play at the 6A level, entered the 2025 season ranked 120th nationally.
The program has the most wins in the US at just under 1,000. They’ve won six national championships, 24 state titles, and 42 regional crowns. Head coach Shelton Felton is earning $152,421 annually.
Bryant Appling, Buford High School
Buford is considered one of, if not the best football program on this list. They’re a Top 15 team nationally entering the ’25 campaign, and they’ve got money to spend.
Head coach Bryant Appling is making $173,688 year. The school was home to a number of notable college and professional athletes, including current Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Josh Niblett, Gainesville High School
Gainesville won a 2012 State Championship with Deshaun Watson under center. He is one of a number of Red Elephants to go pro after successful high school careers.
Head coach Josh Niblett has continued the momentum, having the program positioned as a Top 10 team in the Georgia 5A Division. He’s paid $175,706 for his services.
John Reid, Rome High School
Rome is another Top 10 team at the Division 5A level. They have a history of success that includes back-to-back state titles in 2016 and 2017.
Head coach John Reid is one of the top earners in the sport, banking $188,457 per year.
Joey King, Carrollton High School
Carrollton’s program is one of the most recognized in Georgia high school football. The Trojans have experienced incredible success, including boasting seven state championships.
Two of their most recent stars are quarterbacks at the D1 level with Julian Lewis at Colorado and MJ Morris at Coastal Carolina (previously NC State, Maryland). Head coach Joey King tops this list with a salary of $219,215.