LAKELAND — Lanier County introduced Marcus Gowan as its new head football coach Thursday, making him the Bulldogs’ third head coach in four seasons.

Gowan comes to Lakeland after one year at Gordon Central, where he led the Warriors to their first winning season since 2012.

“I mean, it’s South Georgia. Come on now. Friday Night Lights in South Georgia is just different,” Gowan said. “I mean, you know, for me, just kind of the majority of my coaching career being down here, it’s just a different experience overall. It’s a great environment, Friday nights. And, you know, small-town football, the town shuts down for football, and I think that’s super exciting.”

Gowan previously coached in South Georgia at Crisp County. Before taking the job at Gordon Central, he spent four seasons at Valdosta under current head coach Shelton Felton, where he served as the offensive line coach, assistant head coach, and the co-offensive coordinator.

“You know, greatness is a mindset, something that he taught every day to our kids, fourth-in-one mentality. And it’s something that I’ve carried over in my life day-to-day,” Gowan said. “And I think, really, for me, you know, just what it preps you for, being an elite-caliber program, I think is what has really prepared me to be a good head coach, hopefully.”

Gowan said his goal is to turn the tide in Lakeland with a bite mentality. He wants the team to be bold in what they do, have an invested mindset, be tough, and be excellent. With those things, he believes the Bulldogs can be very special.

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