Parkview starts its coaching search as Joe Sturdivant steps down

Parkview head coach Joe Sturdivant is stepping down after two seasons at the helm of the Panthers.

Sturdivant is heading out west to South Dakota to join the coaching staff at Black Hills State as the defensive backs coach. The move is motivated by his eight-year-old sons diagnosis of PANS/PANDAS, with the hope that the change will improve his condition.

Sturdivant leaves Parkview with a record of 10-11 after navigating tough regions over the last two seasons. He succeeded Eric Godfree, who left the program after nine seasons, during which he compiled a 70-37 record, won two region titles (2018-19), made two quarterfinal appearances and one semifinal appearance. Historically, Parkview is one of the most successful programs in the state, with four state titles between 1997 and 2002.

Sturdivants departure means both Parkview and archrival Brookwood will have new head coaches in the same year for only the second time in history. It also marks the fifth head coaching change in Gwinnett County this offseason. Currently, Parkview is the only open job in the county, with Brookwood hiring Chad Nighbert, Central Gwinnett hiring Terrance Banks, Meadowcreek hiring Johnny Burdette, and Norcross hiring Corey Richardson.

The Parkview head coaching position is one of the biggest jobs on the market. With high-profile coaches on the move like never before, a surprising hire is not out of the question. Additionally, high-caliber coaches such as Adam Clack, Shannon Jarvis, and Jamie Abrams remain without jobs. The Parkview coaching search will be one to watch with the program expected to make a big splash with its next hire.