Gray Collegiate Academy Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Adam Holmes has resigned from the school where he won the 2022 State Championship in 2A football. Holmes had been at Gray for 10 years. His team made it to the State Championship again in 2023, but fell to Oceanside in the last minute of the game.

His decision to leave Gray was announced in a letter to Dr. Brian Newsome. Newsome then made an announcement via social media. Click for Gray’s Facebook page.

Holmes said his: “mental, physical, and emotional health has suffered greatly” over the past year. He did not say what he will do next. Holmes did state: “It is time for me now to focus on my family and myself, and see where this journey leads me professionally.”

Coach Howie Bayer has accepted the position as Interim Head Football Coach until a permanent replacement is announced. (He may also apply for the job). Kevin Heise, Howie Bayer and Dion Bethea, all Asst. Athletic Director’s at Gray, will assume the duties of Adam until further notice.

Newsome’s letter and Holmes letter are copied below:

Gray Families:

I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas and excited for the New Yesr. I wanted to update everyone that I have accepted a letter of resignation of our Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Adam Holmes. At this time, he feels it is best to step away from his duties at Gray to focus on his family. We wish him the best in his future endeavors. Below is a note from him. I have communicated with Coach Howie Bayer and he has accepted the position as Interim Head Football Coach until a permanent replacement is announced. (He may also apply for the job). Kevin Heise, Howie Bayer and Dion Bethea, all Asst. Athletic Director’s at Gray, will assume the duties of Adam until further notice.

~ Dr. Newsome

Holmes Letter:

Gray Family,

As I reflect on the many successes at Gray over the past year, my mental, physical, and emotional health has suffered greatly. Over this break I have had time to sit back and reflect on my ten year journey here at Gray. I have put my heart and soul into this school to help make this athletic program what it is today. There have been many long hours and days over these ten years and now I think it’s time for me to step away as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach.

It is time for me now to focus on my family and myself, and see where this journey leads me professionally. There is interest out there in football and outside of football. When I knew I wanted to possibly venture outside of working at Gray, I spoke with Dr. Newsome and we both thought it was best to go ahead and step away so Gray can move on with the process of finding someone. Gray has been so good to me that I thought it was only right to give them this opportunity. I am nervous but also excited for me and my family about what will be next. I want to thank every parent, player, teacher, and administrator that I have been associated with at Gray. I have worked with so many wonderful people and have worked with some of the best student-athletes in the State. Thank you for your support of me over the last ten years. Gray will always hold a special place in my heart. So one last time, #WarEagle.

Coach Holmes