RABBITTOWN, Ga. — Joe Dix is returning to East Hall.
Dix, who coached at the school for 22 years -- 14 as head boys basketball -- confirmed in a text on Tuesday that he will assume the same position he left in May 2018.
“I am excited to be back," he said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to being in a place that holds special memories for me."
Dix was an integral part of the Vikings' success in the early 2000s when they won state titles in 2001 and 2003 as an assistant under Seth Vining, and in 2005 as the head coach. They played for two other titles in his 22 years at the school.
Dix also led the Vikings to second round or better 12 of the 14 seasons as head coach, reaching the quarterfinals three times, the semifinals once and finishing as runner-ups in 2007.
Dix said, in a statement, that his return was a family decision.
“I enjoyed my time at Collins Hill and the relationships built while there," he said. "This was a family decision, and we are looking forward to being home at East Hall."
Dix left East Hall in 2018 to take over a Collins Hill program that was decimated by graduation, at the time, in one of the toughest regions (6-7A) in the state's largest classification.
He told AccessWDUN in 2018 that he was up for a new challenge and felt like East Hall needed someone else to lead the program.
“I have been looking for a new challenge, and I think this will be good for me and for East Hall,” Dix said in a phone interview in 2018. “I’ve been here a long time, and it may be time for a new message for (the East Hall program).
While at Collins Hill, Dix was 56-51, and after an 8-18 first season in charge, the Eagles won 15 games or better over the next three seasons with three runner-up finishes in region play and three state tournament berths.
Dix's best season was the 2020-21 campaign, going 17-10 and reaching the third round of the Class 7A playoffs before being eliminated by McEachern 84-63.
“We are excited to bring coach Dix back home to Valhalla!” athletic director Adam Rich said. “Coach Dix is an excellent basketball coach with an impeccable track record, a man of exemplary integrity, and a great role model for the students of East Hall."
