McIntosh High School has a new boys' basketball coach for the first time in roughly twenty years. Marcus Hawkins was announced as head coach of the Chiefs in April 2026, stepping into a role vacated by Jason Eisele, who retired after two decades leading the program.
McIntosh High School is extremely happy to announce their new Boys Head Basketball Coach to take over the program beginning in 2026. Coach Hawkins comes to us with vast experience and success, winning two state championships while in Florida.— McIntosh Chiefs, Official Account
Hawkins arrives with a résumé that spans multiple schools and both sides of the gender divide in basketball. He is one of just two coaches in Florida history to win both a girls' and a boys' state championship, according to Fayette News. His most recent post was as girls' head coach at Berkmar High.
His roots in the game run deep. Hawkins grew up in Madison County, Florida, where his father played through college and into semi-professional ball. He went on to play collegiately at the University of North Georgia, where a coach named Randy Dunn left a mark that still shapes how Hawkins runs a program today.
He was a coach that it was more than Xs and Os. He was a life guy. He saw things differently.— Marcus Hawkins, Head Coach, McIntosh High boys' basketball
After graduating, Hawkins went straight back to Madison to coach — and the reason was personal.
For me, that was the extra motivation. You can do this. This is what you can do for the next generation.— Marcus Hawkins, Head Coach, McIntosh High boys' basketball
That philosophy — relationships first, basketball second — is the thread running through his coaching career. He still talks to players he coached a decade ago, describing his role as a father figure away from home.
Basketball for me is a ministry, so relationships are important. It is the top thing for me outside of teaching.— Marcus Hawkins, Head Coach, McIntosh High boys' basketball
On the court, Chiefs fans can expect a different style. Hawkins wants pace on offense and relentless pressure on defense.
I love high tempo. I love pressure defensively.— Marcus Hawkins, Head Coach, McIntosh High boys' basketball
The summer workouts offered an early proof of concept. According to Hawkins, the team was struggling to score at the start of June; by the end of the month, he estimates they were averaging 50 points a game — well more than double their early output.
Guys began to get a little more comfortable in what we're asking them to do. They found themselves and were playing better defensively. For me, that was a great summer.— Marcus Hawkins, Head Coach, McIntosh High boys' basketball
Hawkins said the summer progress reinforced why he pursued the McIntosh job in the first place — drawn by the facilities, the administration, and the school's academic reputation.
This is a wonderful fit. I really want to be here.— Marcus Hawkins, Head Coach, McIntosh High boys' basketball
McIntosh High School is part of the Fayette County school district in Georgia. The Chiefs' season tips off later in 2026.
Why it matters — After two decades under one coach, McIntosh basketball enters a new era with a championship-pedigreed leader whose up-tempo, relationship-driven approach is already showing results in summer workouts.
⚠ Not yet confirmed
- The team was struggling to score points at the start of June summer workouts
Reported by fayette-news.net, fcboe.org
Where this comes from
Written by Papalocal's AI from these outlets' reporting. It can miss or misread things; the outlets are the record.