SPRINGFIELD — The Effingham County Board of Education landed a proven winner to lead the Effingham County Rebels football program.

During a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday night, the board voted 4-0 to hire John Ford, the defensive coordinator at Bleckley County. 

Ford, 40, owns a 61-17 record as head coach, including stints at Buford (2017-18) and Roswell (2013-16). His last two Roswell teams finished as the Class AAAAAAA runner-up to Colquitt County and Grayson, respectively. 

Roswell post records of 0-10 and 3-7 the two seasons before Ford become its head coach.

“He comes to Effingham County with a really good record and a fine reputation,” Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford said. “We are really looking forward to seeing the good things that John can bring to the table and continue to move the football program at Effingham County forward.”

Last fall, the new Rebels head coach helped Region 3-AA Bleckley County advance to the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs for only the second time in school history, He succeeds Buddy Holder, who surrendered the job last November after holding it seven years.

“I think, when the community, faculty and students meet (the new head coach), I think they will gravitate toward him, his energy and his love for kids,” the superintendent said. “We are very excited to have John on board. We are very glad to have his family — a wife and three girls — too.”

Ford is set to appear at a news conference at the school Friday at noon.