High School Football Coach Fired Immediately After Season Opener.
The 2025 high school football season is barely underway, but one Georgia program has already made a stunning coaching change. While most teams across the state were settling into their opening games on August 22 and 23, Banks County High School was preparing to hit the reset button. After just one game, the Leopards decided to part ways with their head coach, Todd Winter, in one of the most abrupt coaching decisions of the young season.
A Disappointing Start to 2025
For Banks County, expectations heading into the 2025 season were unusually high. The program believed it had the talent and size to compete for a playoff spot, and much of that confidence stemmed from Winter’s arrival in 2024. The veteran coach had built a strong reputation at Holy Innocents Episcopal School in Atlanta, where he led his teams to five consecutive playoff berths. His résumé made him an attractive hire, and his early words after taking the Leopards’ job reflected his confidence in turning the program into a consistent winner.
Winter emphasized the program’s strengths during his introductory press conference, pointing to the players’ physical attributes, commitment, and potential. He spoke about the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and building a foundation for long-term success. The school community was eager to see whether he could replicate his past achievements in Banks County.
But his first year at the helm in 2024 didn’t go according to plan. The Leopards stumbled to a 2–8 record, and while some hoped it was simply a transitional season, others felt immediate results were needed in Year 2. The season-opening matchup against East Hall was seen as a chance to signal growth, but instead, it became the breaking point. Banks County fell in a 42–21 blowout, and just days later, Winter was out of a job.
A Sudden Change
On Sunday, Banks County Schools superintendent Dr. Ann Hopkins announced Winter’s dismissal in a press release. The move was made official just one game into the season, underscoring how thin Winter’s margin for error had become.
In the same release, Hopkins revealed that offensive coordinator Mark Hollars would be stepping in as the new head coach. Hollars, who has been part of the program, is being tasked with stabilizing the team and reigniting belief among players, parents, and supporters.
“We are excited to announce that Coach Mark Hollars will serve as the new head football coach at Banks County High School,” Hopkins said. “Coach Hollars is committed to building a strong, unified program that reflects the values of teamwork, discipline, and pride in being a Leopard. We look forward to the future of Banks County football under his leadership and are confident this new chapter will bring fresh energy and focus to our program.”
Hopkins also expressed gratitude for Winter’s contributions, acknowledging the time and effort he gave to the student-athletes despite the disappointing results.
Why the Quick Trigger?
The decision to dismiss a coach after just one game may seem extreme, but context matters. Winter was already on thin ice after a poor debut season in 2024. With playoff hopes in 2025, the program simply wasn’t willing to risk another year spiraling out of control. The Week 1 loss to East Hall a decisive, lopsided defeat convinced administrators that immediate change was necessary if they wanted to salvage the season.
It’s also a reflection of how competitive high school football has become in Georgia. Communities pour pride, resources, and expectations into their programs, and patience is often in short supply. For Winter, the combination of a bad first season and an uninspiring start to his second left no room for redemption.
Looking Ahead
Now the spotlight shifts to Hollars, who will try to rally the Leopards and prove that the midseason shakeup was worth the risk. Taking over a team just one game into the season is no easy task, but his familiarity with the players and offensive system may give him a head start.
For Banks County fans, the hope is that this bold decision injects energy into the program and sets the foundation for success moving forward. For Winter, it’s a harsh reminder of how unforgiving the coaching profession can be especially in a community eager for results.
One thing is certain: Banks County has set the tone for what could be one of the most closely watched high school football stories of the 2025 season.