ATLANTA-St. Pius X High School announces the selection of Chad Garrison to lead the Golden Lion Football program. Coach Garrison has served as the offensive line coach with the Golden Lion program since 2000. He takes the reins of a program that finished the 2020 campaign with a 9-3 overall record including a 6-0 record and the Region 5-AAAAA Championship. Garrison becomes the ninth head coach in school history, following the departure of longtime Coach Paul Standard to Gilmer High School.

St. Pius X Athletic Director Todd Mooney expressed excitement to have Garrison take the lead of the football program.

“His tireless work ethic, commitment to academics, and strong desire to build upon our success in football are obvious and contagious,” said Mooney. “There is no doubt how deeply Coach Garrison loves our school and athletic program. He clearly defined his plan to move our program forward and set himself apart through the search process.”

A search committee of Mooney, John Favier, president; Dr. Edye Simpson, principal; Father Rey Pineda, chaplain; John Griffith, dean of academics; and Billy Egan, athletic association president, conducted the selection process.

Coach Chad Garrison
Photo By Michael Alexander

In addition to his football duties, Garrison is entering his sixth year as the head baseball coach at the school. He has spent the past 18 years as the physical education department head and an assistant athletic director for 11 years. Garrison also served as the head track and field coach from 2006-2011, winning boys’ and girls’ state titles in 2006, as well as two state runner-up finishes.

“I am excited and honored to be named the head football coach at St. Pius X. I consider it a blessing and a privilege to carry on the ‘tradition of excellence’ established within the football program and the Golden Lion Athletic Department. My 21 years at St. Pius X have filled me with wonderful memories and experiences. I look forward to continuing the legacy that all started with George B. Maloof and leading our program with Pride, Integrity, Unity and Sacrifice,” said Garrison.

During his time with the Golden Lion gridders, the team has advanced to the state title game in 2012 and 2014 and won eight region championships. St. Pius X has reached at least the state quarterfinals nine times, while making 19 playoff appearances in the previous 20 years. Garrison previously coached at Campbell High School and The Lovett School.

“Chad has demonstrated to our entire community his dedication, commitment and love for our school and the football program over the past 21 years. He cares that these young men not only excel on the field, but that they excel in all areas of their lives, modeling Christ in their actions. I am confident that Chad will propel our team to new heights,” said President John Favier.

Garrison, who is in his 30th year of education and coaching, is a graduate of North Georgia College and has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 32 years. They have three children, all graduates of St. Pius X—Kelci (2009), Mackenzie (2013) and Brennan (2016).

The new coach thanked his family as his “biggest supporters.”

“Additionally, I’d like to thank Coach Paul Standard for his friendship, guidance and support which have helped to prepare me for this next step in my career. This ‘golden’ opportunity is much bigger than one person,” said Garrison. “Everything I do going forward will be to continue to build community amongst our alumni, faculty, players and parents.”

The Golden Lions will open the 2021 season hosting Flowery Branch on Aug. 20.