BUFORD — Buford football coach John Ford resigned his position Wednesday morning.
According to Buford Athletic Director Tony Wolfe, Ford made the announcement to his team at 8 a.m.
“He handed us his letter of resignation and told the guys (Wednesday) morning,” Wolfe confirmed by phone. “We are thankful for the time and energy that Coach Ford gave to the kids and the program. He loved his team and we wish him the best on whatever future endeavors he has planned.”
Ford led the Wolves to a 21-5 record in his two seasons with a semifinal berth in Class 5A in 2017 and to the quarterfinal round in 2018. But Buford’s string of 11 consecutive semifinal appearances was snapped last week in a stunning 23-20 loss to Bainbridge at Tom Riden Stadium. The loss also snapped a 35-game home playoff winning streak going back to 2006.
Wolfe said the process of finding the next coach for the nationally-recognized program is just now getting underway.
“Well, we just found out (Wednesday) so really we haven’t had time to look at much but we are beginning that process,” he said. “This is a difficult position to fill, and Coach Ford did a great job considering he was following one of the best ever in Jess Simpson. We don’t have any specific timetables but we probably will look at sometime in January to filling the position.
“What we’re looking for has yet to determined but we feel we have a lot to offer as a school system and we certainly feel this job would be an attractive one.”
