Flowery Branch has begun the search for the fifth head coach in program history after parting ways with third year head coach Jason Tester.
Tester was hired in 2021 following Ben Hall’s departure for Oconee County. In his three seasons as head coach of the Falcons, the team compiled a 12-20 record. Flowery Branch made the playoffs in both 2023 and 2024 but had three consecutive losing seasons for the first time since the school’s inaugural three seasons in 2002, 2003, and 2004. His second season in 2023 was his best, with the team finishing 5-6.
During his tenure, the Falcons had several standout players, including Stetson running back Malik Dryden, Wagner linebacker and 2023 first-team All-State selection Cam Hanes, and 3-star wide receiver Jeremiah Ware.
The next head coach will inherit a roster that is set to lose only a handful of starters while returning several first-team All-Region players, including running back Griffin Harper, linebacker Ryland Garrison, defensive back Tripp Morris, wide receiver Brooks Recinella, and edge rusher Eli Poole.
In addition to a strong core of returning players, the new coach will step into a program with a long-established winning culture. The Falcons have made the playoffs in 16 of the last 20 years and seven of the past eight. Tester rebuilt a strong community around the program, a foundation that the next coaching staff will undoubtedly benefit from.