Daily Dive: North Cobb Christian promotes defensive coordinator PJ Hughes

North Cobb Christian’s football team is hoping for a smooth and successful transition at the head coaching position next season after Matt Jones stepped down following his successful five-year stint and the reins were handed off to defensive coordinator PJ Hughes.

“I’m really pumped to build off something that was successful and steady,” said Hughes. “Matt has left us in a really good position.”

This will be coach Hughes’ first head coaching job and he served as his latest role for four years—helping lead a top-five scoring defense in Class AA from 2022-24. Coach Jones said it was time to take a step back to put his family first and that he will remain at North Cobb Christian in a yet-to-be-determined role. Jones also says he is

“We are excited about this next chapter of NCCS football under coach Hughes’ leadership,” said head of school Todd Clingman. “His experience, passion and commitment to discipleship make him the ideal leader to continue building our strong, Christ-centered football legacy.”

Jones led the school to five straight state playoff appearances, including the best season in team history in 2024 when the Eagles went 11-2 and advanced to the Class A-AAA Private state semifinals.

:It was special," Jones told the Marietta Daily Journal. "My dad (former Walton coach and Cobb County athletic director Steve Jones) taught me a long time ago, hard work solves a lot of problems. We built it to where over 40% of our players have had a chance to go on and play college football. We had some great wins—beating Savannah Christian (in the quarterfinals) last year, beating Wesleyan when we had the the play of the year and beating Ringgold in six overtimes last year. It’s been a great ride.”

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