New Head Coach Joins River Ridge Football Program

WOODSTOCK, GA — A new head coach will lead the River Ridge High School football program. The Cherokee County School Board at its Jan. 17 meeting approved hiring Michael Collins to also teach physical education at the Woodstock school.

Collins' position becomes effective on March 1. He previously led teams at high schools in Cobb and DeKalb counties, the Cherokee County School District said.

“Coach Collins has a history of successfully moving teams in the right direction,” River Ridge Principal Dr. Kerry Martin said. “We look forward to many great seasons under his leadership.”

Under Coach Collins’ leadership, Wheeler High School’s Wildcats transformed from a team with a 21-game losing streak before his arrival, to a run that included three state playoff appearances and a Top 10 state ranking in 2018.

Collins also turned around the Pebblebrook High School Falcons, who were 3-7 before the coach led them to consecutive playoffs in 2006 and 2007, including a region championship and a second-round playoff appearance. Collins also guided Chamblee High School’s Bulldogs to the state playoffs in 2008 and 2009.

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Collins is a graduate of Cherokee High School where he played baseball, basketball and football. He also started his coaching career in Cherokee County. He served as an assistant football coach at his Alma mater, playing a key role in leading the Warriors from 10 straight losing seasons to five playoff wins and a region championship. His coaching honors have included Region 5-AAAAAA Coach of the Year, Cobb County Coach of the Year and the Corky Kell Coaching of Excellence Award.

Collins said his mission "is to build young men of great character and provide each player with guidance to establish a strong foundation for the future."

Coach Collins earned his bachelor of science degree from Bethune Cookman University in Florida; master of science in kinesiology from Georgia Southern University; and educational specialist degree in coaching pedagogy from Valdosta State University. He and his wife, LaToya, have two children, Willie, 23, and Micah, 15.

Photo: Michael Collins. Credit: Cherokee County School District