Alan Griffin is thrilled about his new opportunity at his current school. 

On Monday, Griffin was announced as the new boys basketball coach at Chestatee, taking the position previously held by Tanner Plemmons, who stepped down for another job March 31. 

The news was made public in a press release from Hall County athletics director Stan Lewis. 

Griffin spent the 2022-2023 as an assistant coach with the Lady War Eagles basketball program, which made the Class 4A state quarterfinals. 

After building good relationships throughout the school, Griffin threw his name in the hat when the boys head coaching job came available. 

“I’m excited,” said Griffin, whose first head-coaching experience was eight seasons as boys coach at Pacelli (2008-16), a Columbus private school. “Working with (girls head coach) Sutton (Shirley) has been a blessing. We’ve been able to learn from each other. That group of girls is special and was great to coach.”

At Chestatee, Griffin will certainly have a lot of talent to build around. 

On Monday, Griffin was able to meet with his rising seniors individually to talk about his strategy, which includes Colton Wilbanks, who averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds a game this season. 

“Colton can stretch the floor so well,” Griffin said. “He’s long and athletic. We’re excited about building the offense and defense around him. Plus, he makes everyone around him better.”

Also, the War Eagles will have point guard Josh Bull and Brock Moody as two of the other leading talents returning next season as they chase one of four playoff spots in the 11-team Region 8-4A.

Prior to arriving at Chestatee, Griffin was head girls coach at Gainesville for four seasons, highlighted by a Lanierland championship in 2020. 

At Pacelli, Griffin guided its program to the state quarterfinals his final year in charge. 

“He has instant credibility with his past successes as a head coach, but he has also built some great relationships with a lot of our kids already which will help him hit the ground running,” Chestatee athletics director Matt Stowers said.  “He will bring some stability and longevity to our boys basketball program, which is exactly what we need.”