DAHLONEGA -- Johnson boys basketball coach Jeff Steele wanted to be closer to home.
Lumpkin County Athletic Director Nick Jenkins was looking for someone to take their boys basketball program to new heights.
Both will now get that chance.
Steele, who resigned his position at Johnson two days ago, was approved in an executive session meeting by the Lumpkin County School Board Thursday morning to become the Indians new boys coach.
“We wanted a change of pace in the program and Jeff said he was trying to get closer to where he lives so we talked about it a few times and we were able to get something done,” Jenkins said. “We feel very fortunate to be able to get a guy of Coach Steele’s caliber.”
Steele is coming off his best season ever at Johnson leading the Knights to a 30-1 record and a trip to the Class AAAA Elite 8 before losing to eventual state champion Jonesboro. They also won a second consecutive Lanierland title and a third straight Region 8-AAAA title as well.
“I live in Lumpkin and it just became an opportunity for me to do what I like to do closer to home. I’m five minutes from the school,” Steele said. “It will be a challenge at first but I think I need that. I’m looking forward to it and hopefully I can live up to whatever expectations people have.”
The Indians are coming off a 9-20 campaign that saw them qualify for the Class AAA state playoffs as the No. 4 seed in Region 7-AAA before losing to powerhouse Morgan County in the first round. Steele will be taking over for Chris Guthrie, who guided the Indians the past four seasons.
But neither Steele nor Jenkins is expecting 30-win seasons right out of the gate.
“We don’t have any expectations as far as wins. What we want is for Jeff to turn the program into one that is consistent and competitive every year,” Jenkins said. “He’ll also oversee the middle school program and we want him to be involved with the youth programs below that to help build continuity.
“My job as A.D. is to make sure the kids in Lumpkin County get a positive experience through athletics. We want the best coaches for our kids and we think Jeff is one of the best in the area, if not the state. We’re excited about having him come here.”
Steele, who will teach P.E. at Lumpkin County, said he will be meeting with his new team soon and wants them to know to be ready.
“That first practice could be interesting,” Steele said. “We might need a few buckets. But there is some talent there. Now we just have to start putting the pieces in the right places.
“You know I like to win so I’m going in with the expectation that we will be competitive. Whether we can compete for a region title with the likes of East Hall, West Hall, Banks County, in our first year we’ll have to see. But I’m excited about being at Lumpkin County and grateful for the chance.”
Steele also now will get a chance to coach against his former assistant, Zac Swansey, who was hired recently to take over the boys program at West Hall, which is also in Region 7-AAA.
