GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Gainesville High School has named Santavious Bryant as its new head football coach, the school announced Thursday, following the departure of Josh Niblett earlier this week.
Bryant’s hire comes two days after Josh Niblett stepped down after leading Gainesville to back-to-back Class 6A state championships in 2022 and 2023 and compiling a 49-7 record over four seasons. Niblett said he resigned to pursue other opportunities outside the program.
Bryant returns to Gainesville after a successful three-season run as head coach at Grayson High School, where he posted a 37-5 record, reached the state quarterfinals three times, advanced to two semifinals and guided the Rams to a 2024 state championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Bryant back to Gainesville,” Athletic Director Adam Lindsey said in a statement. “He understands the standard of excellence at Gainesville, and his growth as a head coach has been impressive. Following Coach Niblett’s departure, we were committed to finding a leader who could sustain our tradition while continuing to develop young men on and off the field.”
Bryant previously served on Gainesville’s staff as defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach during the Red Elephants’ 2022 state championship season.
He said the opportunity to return to Gainesville was a meaningful one.
“Gainesville is a special place,” Bryant said. “This program has a rich tradition, and I’m grateful for the trust shown in me to lead it into the next chapter.”
The hire is pending formal approval by the Gainesville City Schools Board of Education. Bryant will take over a program that has won multiple state titles and remained one of Georgia’s most consistent high school football powers.
