NW Atlanta News

Darren Myles, the head coach of Carver High School, has been recognized as the 2024 Atlanta Falcons Coach of the Year. This honor also designates him as the Falcons' nominee for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award. The award acknowledges high school coaches who exemplify integrity, leadership, perseverance, dedication to their community, commitment to player protection, and on-field success.

Myles has a chance to become the third high school coach from Georgia to receive this prestigious award in recent years. Previous winners include Matt Land from Dalton High School in 2019 and Derrick Avery from Booker T. Washington in 2020.

Since becoming Carver's head coach in 2005, Myles has led his team to significant achievements. He took over a program that began with only three players and transformed it into a successful team with two regional championships and 138 wins over his 20-year tenure. This year's team finished with an 8-4 record and reached the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season. Myles' extensive coaching experience spans 34 years at both college and high school levels.

Beyond on-field performance, Myles emphasizes character development and academic success among his players. He requires each athlete and their parents to sign a contract at the start of each season, committing to growth both on and off the field. His holistic approach includes activities such as breakfast meetings, mandatory study halls, yoga sessions, and CPR training.

"The personal gratification for me has been seeing the development of the players from when they come in as a ninth grader and leave as a senior," said Myles. "The personal gratification is seeing those hours come to fruition, with the way they interact with their peers or a guest. It makes it worthwhile, and it is just part of our daily routine."

Myles was surprised by his recognition as Coach of the Year during a Falcons game against the Carolina Panthers. As part of this honor, he received two tickets to Super Bowl LVIII.