Matt Turner Named Lone Finalist For Gilmer Athletic Director + Head Football Coach

Gilmer didn't have to search too far to find its replacement for head coach Jeff Traylor, settling on longtime Buckeyes offensive coordinator Matt Turner.

Turner, who has spent the previous 12 season running Gilmer's offense, will be recommended before the Gilmer ISD board members at a March 23 meeting, when the move is expected to become official.

"Matt Turner has 33 years in public education," Gilmer ISD released in a statement on Friday afternoon. "Coach Turner has been the offensive coordinator for Gilmer ISD for the last 12 years. Prior to that, he was at Jacksonville for 12 years and Marshall for five years, where he won his first state championship. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Arkansas State University.

"Coach Turner is looking forward to continuing the success of the Buckeyes and continuing to build an already strong program."

Turner will replace Traylor, who left to become the tight ends and special teams coach at the University of Texas last month.

Traylor posted a career record at Gilmer of 175-26, which included three state championships in 2004, 2009 and 2014. Turner was in charge of the offense for all three title runs.

Gilmer will graduate several pieces from a 2014 offense that finished with the second-most points in a season in state history. However, the Buckeyes will bring back several defensive impact players, including 2016 linebacker and Texas commit Demarco Boyd, 2017 linebacker Kelton Collier, and 2017 safety Kollin Hurt.