John Reid has announced his retirement as head football coach at Rome High School after 11 seasons, two state championships, and nine region titles. He informed his players of the decision last week, marking the end of one of the most successful coaching periods in the school’s history.
Dr. Eric L. Holland, Superintendent of Rome City Schools, commented on Reid’s impact: “What Coach Reid accomplished at Rome High School speaks for itself, from multiple state championships to numerous region titles and sending countless student athletes on to college. But what truly sets him apart is the culture he created. He built a program that values accountability, hard work, and caring for students as people first. Because of that foundation, Rome High football is positioned to continue succeeding well into the future.”
The Rome City Schools Board of Education recognized Reid and his players for their achievements during a recent meeting. The district provides academic instruction and support services across all grade levels, with opportunities in advanced courses and athletics as part of its commitment to quality education (https://www.rcs.rome.ga.us/).
During his time at Rome High, Reid led the team to become a consistent contender in Georgia high school football. His teams won two GHSA state championships, nine region titles, reached the state semifinals five times, and made several deep playoff runs.
Reflecting on his tenure, Reid said: “We came in with a vision to make the football program something the community and the town could be proud of. When you reflect back on 2015 and all the different roads we’ve taken to be successful, every year had a different path. What it’s meant to me is that we were able to provide a program the community could be proud of, and that this place is in a better spot than when we got here.”
Reid set clear expectations upon arrival: “I came here to win a state championship, and I expected it,” he said. “I believed we could do it. It’s extremely hard at this level of Georgia football, and sometimes your ‘state championship’ is being the best version of that team you can possibly be. We were close a lot of times, and those seasons mattered just as much.”
Over 11 years at Rome High School—a part of Rome City School District which operates under an elected board setting educational policies (https://www.rcs.rome.ga.us/)—Reid’s teams achieved 116 wins along with multiple playoff appearances.
Reid also celebrated personal milestones during his career at Rome High; this past season saw him earn his 250th victory as a head coach when his team defeated Kennesaw Mountain.
For Reid, building relationships was central: “The biggest takeaway is the people,” he said. “All the teachers, all the kids, and all the people you meet along the way. You don’t always realize it when they’re 18, but years later those kids will reach out and tell you how much the program changed them. If you don’t build relationships, you don’t last. The only reason kids play as hard as they do is because they know you care about them, and that’s what separates great programs from average ones.”
He recalled promising his team he would get a wolf tattoo if they upset Stephenson in his first playoff game—a promise he fulfilled after their victory.
Alongside athletic accomplishments like two state titles and beating New Manchester for another region title this year, Reid noted how meaningful it was for both him and his wife Julie to help students beyond sports.
“I think one of the biggest takeaways for me is how much my wife got to be involved in the program and see her joy in helping these kids,” he said.
Looking ahead for Rome High’s football program—which exists within a district focused on academics as well as arts and athletics (https://www.rcs.rome.ga.us/)—Reid expressed confidence: “This program is bigger than one man,” he said. “It’s built now, and it will continue to succeed…Rome football is set up to keep moving forward.”
Asked about what he hopes people remember most from his time at Rome High School—where students have access to advanced placement courses alongside athletics (https://www.rcs.rome.ga.us/)—Reid stated: “I know people will remember the wins…But I hope they also remember the passion and total commitment to making the program better and helping kids become better people.”
Reid will remain as District Athletic Director until June 30, 2026 while a search begins for his successor.
