After 10 seasons at the helm of the College of Coastal Georgia men’s basketball program, head coach Jesse Watkins has decided to step away from the program and will not return as the head coach next season.
“Coastal Georgia deeply appreciates Coach Watkins’ dedication, leadership, and passion for student athlete success and fulfilling Coastal’s mission of transforming students’ lives,” said Dr. Johnny Evans Jr., the President of the College of Coastal Georgia. ” We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his many contributions to Mariner Athletics,” finished Evans.
Watkins took over the program in 2014 after the retirement of Coastal Georgia coaching legend Gerald Cox. Since taking over, Watkins has coached 16 All-Conference players, three NAIA All-Americans and six Conference All-Academic players.
“I am grateful for my time here at the College of Coastal Georgia,” said Watkins. “My family and I were welcomed here with open arms and I have spent 14 years of my life here, and it is somewhere we can always call home. I am thankful for the administration and the players for this opportunity to become a head coach. The thing I will miss the most about being here is the interaction with all students. I would like to wish CG the best of luck in the future, and I will always be a Mariner wherever I go,” concluded Watkins.
Watkins was a member of the Mariners men’s basketball program for two seasons from 1990-92, playing for Cox during his 28 year career, before transferring to Lincoln Memorial where he graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Health in 1995. Watkins returned to Coastal Georgia in 2012 to assist Coach Cox before taking over the program.
“I met Coach Watkins for the first time when the Mariners visited Dalton State while serving as the game day administrator and head coach of the men’s tennis program,” said Director of Athletics Zack Rogers. “Coach Watkins had a larger than life presence on the sideline, was a passionate coach and a fervent supporter of all things Coastal Georgia. When I came to the College of Coastal Georgia nine years ago to interview for the head coaching position of the tennis program, Coach Watkins was the first person to welcome me to campus, he walked me across the campus and shared his love for the College with me. Coach Watkins has served our institution and our student athletes since his time as an assistant coach, having a lasting and meaningful impact on countless students in the Golden Isles. We wish Coach Watkins the best in his future endeavors and look forward to celebrating the future successes of the program with him,” finished Rogers.
More information will follow in the coming weeks. A nationwide search will be conducted for the next head men’s basketball coach at the College of Coastal Georgia.
