The Rome City Schools Board of Education approved the release of Bill Stewart from his contract and head coaching responsibilities at Rome High School during its Nov. 10 meeting, the district announced Tuesday.
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“Rome City Schools appreciates Coach Stewart’s time, dedication, and service to our student-athletes and the Rome High School football program,” the district said in a statement. “We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
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Solon’s Maddox Kelley (4) celebrates with Kaden Hoeper (5) and Sawyer Hancox (28) after scoring against the Fairfield Trojans Oct. 30, 2026 during an Iowa high school football playoff game in Solon, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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High school football playoffs are here: Best photos from across the country
Solon’s Maddox Kelley (4) celebrates with Kaden Hoeper (5) and Sawyer Hancox (28) after scoring against the Fairfield Trojans Oct. 30, 2026 during an Iowa high school football playoff game in Solon, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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High school football playoffs are here: Best photos from across the country
Scarsdale and North Rockland battled in playoff football action at Scarsdale High School Oct. 30, 2026. Scarsdale won the game 15-13.
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Copley’s Dane Wininger (17) fires off a pass under pressrure during the Division III playoff football game at Copley High School, Ohio on October 30, 2026.
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The Solon student section dressed in their Halloween costumes to cheer on the football team Oct. 30, 2026 during an Iowa high school playoff game against the Fairfield Trojans in Solon, Iowa.
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High school football playoffs are here: Best photos from across the country
Copley band members in costume play the pregame show at the Division III playoff football game between Copley and Padua Franciscan at Copley High School, Ohio on October 30, 2026.
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Green Bay Notre Dame’s Michael Witczak (16) against Menasha High School during their Division 2 playoff football game Friday, October 30, 2026, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Notre Dame defeated Menasha 45-13. Wm. Glasheen/Appleton Post-Crescent
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Revere High School quarterback Carter Hajdu releases a pass as a Parma Heights Holy Name defender pressures him during the second half of an OHSAA Division III playoff football game on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, in Richfield, Ohio.
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Green Bay Notre Dame’s Jackson Bouthilet (12) against Menasha High School during their Division 2 playoff football game Friday, October 30, 2026, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Notre Dame defeated Menasha 45-13.
Wm. Glasheen/Appleton Post-Crescent
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Brighton running back Justin Medina steps through the Victor tackle attempt by Carter Abbate during a 70-yard run down to the two yard line during their Section V Class A1 football sectional semifinal playoff game Friday October 30, 2026 at Brighton High School.
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Green Bay Notre Dame’s Quinn Blom (3) against Menasha High School’s Shamir Senyange (1) during their Division 2 playoff football game Friday, October 30, 2026, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Notre Dame defeated Menasha 45-13.
Wm. Glasheen/Appleton Post-Crescent
(Wm. Glasheen/Appleton Post-Crescent)
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Farmington’s Bradyn Brewer celebrates a touchdown against Pleasant Plains in the second half of their Class 2A high school football playoffs opener Saturday i Farmington. The Farmers defeated the Cardinals 22-16.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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The Metamora Redbirds take the field against the Alton Marquette Explorers in the opening round of the Class 4A high school football playoffs Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 in Metamora. The Redbirds defeated the Explorers 56-7.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The district said additional information regarding interim leadership and its search for a new head coach would be announced at a later date.
Stewart’s departure comes after a difficult season for the Wolves, who finished 2-8 in 2026 after reaching the Class 5A state semifinals a year earlier.
Despite the coaching change, the Rome job figures to remain one of the more attractive openings in Georgia. Just a year ago, Rome went 11-3 and finished the season as a top 20 team in Georgia. Its playoff run ended with a 37-6 loss to eventual state finalist Gainesville.
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Stewart was hired to replace longtime Rome coach John Reid, who compiled 253 victories and won four state championships during his tenure with the program. Reid earned $188,457 during the 2024 season, making him the second-highest paid coach in the state that year. Stewart’s compensation was not immediately available.
Before arriving at Rome, Stewart served as defensive coordinator at Rabun County in 2025 and spent two seasons as a defensive assistant at Georgia Tech under head coach Brent Key.
He previously enjoyed considerable success as head coach at North Gwinnett, posting a 60-19 record with a GHSA State Championship in 2017, along with multiple region titles.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @AlexMartinUSAT or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
