Legendary Camden County Wildcats coach Jeff Herron has announced his retirement, closing a remarkable chapter in the history of the Wildcats football program. Herron, a name synonymous with success in high school football, led Camden County to unprecedented heights during his two tenures with the team.
In the early 2000s, under Herron’s leadership, the Wildcats became a powerhouse, capturing 12 consecutive region titles and securing three state championships. Herron’s first stint with the Wildcats concluded after the 2012 season, as he left to explore other coaching opportunities.
The Wildcats welcomed Herron back in 2021 for a second tenure, and he quickly began to rebuild the program. In his second year back, Herron guided the Wildcats to the second round of the GHSA playoffs, a milestone not achieved since 2015. This past season, he led the team to the Final Four of the GHSA playoffs, where they fell to powerhouse Walton. Notably, the Wildcats were the only team from their region to advance that far in the playoffs.
Herron retires with an extraordinary career record of 335-69. Before his return to Camden, Herron served as head coach at T.L. Hanna High School in South Carolina, amassing a 25-2 record over two years. Prior to that, he won his fifth state championship with Grayson High School in Atlanta, finishing the season 14-1. Herron’s coaching journey also includes a successful stint at Oconee High School from 1997 to 1999, where he won his first state title and compiled a 33-6 record. When he took over the Oconee program, the school had only won eight games in the previous four years.
During his first tenure in Kingsland, Herron achieved a record of 154-18. Under his leadership, the Wildcats set a Georgia state record by winning 58 consecutive regular-season games. The team was ranked in the top 25 nationally in six different seasons and was named the program of the decade in Georgia for the 2000s.
Herron’s return to Camden was aimed at revitalizing the football program, and he delivered beyond expectations. In his second stint, he compiled a 23-15 record. Despite facing challenges, Herron only experienced one losing season in his illustrious career, which was his first season back in 2021 when the Wildcats finished 4-7 but still made the playoffs.
Jeff Herron’s impact on the Wildcats extends beyond his impressive win-loss record. His leadership, vision, and commitment have left the program in a far better position than when he found it. As the Wildcats look to the future, they will build on the solid foundation laid by Herron, striving to maintain their status as a consistent state power.
The Camden County Wildcats thank Coach Herron for his dedication and contributions to the program. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches.
