OAKWOOD -- For Jeff Steele and the Johnson boys basketball team, it has always been about family.
Which is what made his decision Tuesday to leave the Knights after 16 seasons all the more difficult.
“We are a family here and it’s been something I have been agonizing over since the end of the season,” Steele said. “But I don’t live in Hall County and after so long I felt it was time to be closer to home. It’s about what in the end was the best thing for my family.
“I cried twice during the day after letting everyone know. It was a tough, tough decision.”
During his 16 years leading the Knights, Steele compiled a career record of 270-181. He guided Johnson to nine state tournament appearances, four region championships (three straight in Region 8-AAAA from 2013- 2015), and back-to-back Lanierland titles in 2013 and 2014.
Steele’s most successful season was this past one in 2014-15, guiding the Knights to an undefeated regular season; defended their Lanierland Championship; claimed a third straight Region 8-AAAA crown; advanced to the Class AAAA quarterfinals (matching the program's deepest postseason run); and finished with a 30-1 record.
As far as highlights, Steele said there were just too many to pinpoint just one favorite play.
“Winning our first Lanierland (2013) since 1988, the region titles since we hadn’t done that in a while either, playing No. 1 Jonesboro at home this year,” he said. “Playing Gainesville in the Lanierland final this year was something special. Amazing crowd and atmosphere. I think that game showed me we had a special team this year."
Steele knows some will criticize him for leaving when the Knights appear to be in a coming rebuilding year. But he pointed out he went through several rebuilding modes during his tenure.
“We won one game my first year and we were in total rebuild mode and in no way will that be the case next year,” Steele said. “We graduated some great players but they have two starters coming back. There is a winning habit in the program so that should help whoever replaces me. They should be alright.”
Steele said none of the success would have been possible without some solid talent and people.
“The kids made all the accolades that came the coaches way possible. They really should get the credit,” Steele said. “The most special thing to me are the relationships I developed with the kids. I’ll always remember them and also always be thankful to Johnson for giving me this opportunity.”
