Class A Div. II Blog: Marcus Gowan takes reins at Lanier County following successful Gordon Central debut

There have been five major head coaching changes in Class A Div. II and today’s blog will catch up on the latest developments. At Chattahoochee County, the 2025 season started with Michael Nash being hired from Dunwoody and then after his passing midseason, offensive coordinator Caleb McFather took over as head coach. Coach McFather was also a new addition to the school last season—getting hired in late July as the weightroom teacher, offensive coordinator and track and field coach. McFather is a young coach with a decade of coaching football and track and field under his belt. In 2026, Chattahoochee County will have its sixth head coach in the last six seasons after Pierre Coffee, Ryan McKenzie, Josh Jacobson, Bruce Figgins and coach Nash. This past season, the Panthers finished the year 5-6 and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

Gordon Central is still looking for a new coach and saw Marcus Gowan resign from his position back on Dec. 5 and accept the position at Lanier County—staying within Class A Div. II. According to Coosa Valley News, coach Gowan resigned to accept a position closer to his family in South Georgia. After just one season at the school, Coach Gowan was a valued head coaching prospect that saw his 2025 team produce a 7-4 record—the best finish at Gordon Central since 2012. Lanier County opened up with the departure of David Dean following the team’s 2-9 finish and first round exit. Coach Gowan has previously served as co-offensive coordinator at Valdosta prior to last year’s successful run at Gordon Central. According to WCTV, Gowan’s tenure at Lanier County will start in January and the Bulldogs are expected to hit the ground running.

Irwin County is also replacing its coach after just one season and the Indians are looking to pick up the pieces after a 1-9 finish. Larry Harold took over this year after his most recent stop at Central Gwinnett and the Indians failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011. This position is still open. Turner County has reinstated Demario Barber to serve as head coach in 2026 and the former Fort Valley State alum is looking to build off of last year’s 207 finish and snap a two-year playoff drought this upcoming season.

Class A Div. II Coaching Carousel

Chattahoochee County

Former Coach: Michael Nash (died midseason)

Replacement: Caleb McFather

Gordon Central

Former Coach: Marcus Gowan

Replacement: Open

Irwin County

Former Coach: Larry Harold

Replacement: Open

Lanier County

Former Coach: David Dean

Replacement: Marcus Gowan

Turner County

Former Coach: Demario Barber

Replacement: Demario Barber (Reinstated)

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