Dawson County High School has a new head football coach.

Sid Maxwell, who brings with him a 133-75 career winning record, starts April 1, according to Superintendent Damon Gibbs.

"Mr. Maxwell will also assume the responsibilities of head football coach," Gibbs said March 11.

Following an executive session during a March 10 work session, the Dawson County Board of Education voted to approve Maxwell as a teacher at Dawson County High School.

Maxwell's approval and hiring was necessary following former Tigers head football coach Jeff Lee's announcement earlier this week that he has accepted a new head coaching position at North Bay Haven Charter Academy in Panama City, Fla.

The board approved Lee's retirement from Dawson County High School unanimously during its voting session Monday.

"We wish [Coach Lee] well in retirement," said board chairman Will Wade. "He's off to the beaches of Florida and gets to coach football during his retirement. We are happy for him."

Lee had been with the Tigers for 12 seasons. His last day with the high school is March 31.

A 20-year head coaching veteran, Maxwell has led programs at both Sequoyah High School in Cherokee County and Lambert High School in Forsyth County.

"His career record is 133-75 finishing every season since 1999 with a winning record," Gibbs said. "Coach Maxwell is ranked 37th amongst 470 active coaches in Georgia in all-time wins."

While at Lambert, Maxwell gained 36 wins in four seasons, qualifying for the playoffs in three seasons.

He held a 97-59 record while leading the program at Sequoyah, while making eight playoff appearances.

"Coach Maxwell has more wins than any other coach in Cherokee County football history," Gibbs said. "Dawson County is very excited about Coach Maxwell joining the Tiger family."

Maxwell holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Emory & Henry College in Emory, Va.

He also holds a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala., as well as an Education Specialist degree in Administrative Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn.