By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
Carroll High School has named Jacob Kelley as its new head football coach, with the Ozark City Schools Board of Education approving the hire during its meeting on Thursday.
Kelley comes to Ozark after seven seasons at Cherokee County High School, where he posted a 65–23 record, reached the Class 4A playoffs six straight years, won three consecutive region titles, and led his teams to three state championship appearances from 2022 to 2024. He finished his final season there with a 7–4 record.
A Cedartown, Georgia native, Kelley also brings extensive experience from Georgia, including head coaching stints at Washington-Wilkes and assistant or coordinator roles at several programs. His overall head coaching record stands at 73–37.
Kelley now takes over the CHS program as it’s hoping for a turnaround following the resignation of Matt Mellown last month. The CHS Eagles have not had a winning season since 2018 and are coming off a 3–17 stretch over the past two years without a playoff appearance. This past season, the Eagles won only one game.
The Dale County Chronicle has reached out to Carroll High School and Coach Kelley for more information and will provide an update once we interview the new coach.
