DAWSONVILLE — 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 in a release Wednesday morning.

Following a closed portion during last night's 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.

Lee had been with Tigers for 12 seasons.

A 20-year head coaching veteran, Maxwell has led programs at both Sequoyah High School in Cherokee County and Lambert High School in neighboring 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 and 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 degree in secondary education from Emory and Henry College located in Emory, Va. He also holds a master’s 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.