‘My work was done’: Green Sea Floyds’ most successful coach heads off to new challenge

Donnie Kiefer knew it was time for a change.

The Green Sea Floyds football coach has a bit of a track record as a program builder, never staying at a post for more than five years in his 34-year career.

“There was nothing pulling me away from Green Sea (Floyds),” said Kiefer, who announced he was leaving the school Friday. “I’ve been talking to my coaches and we’ve all said that we’ve got a great team coming back, the players are working hard and have learned how to win. There’s great support and coaching at Green Sea (Floyds), so I know the program will be in good hands.”

While nothing was pulling Kiefer from the North Strand, the draw of his next stop, West Ashley High School, will be his next challenge. The Wildcat program is coming off a 2-8 season in the state’s largest classification, 5A.

“I don’t really know…” Kiefer said when asked what led him to West Ashley. “When I decided that I would talk with them, it was just the right time. I am always up for a challenge, and I read in the (Charleston) Post & Courier that (West Ashley) has never had a winning season. I don’t know if that’s true, but I know they are looking to turn things around.”

Kiefer inherited a challenge when he came to Green Sea Floyds three seasons ago, taking over a program that struggled to win more than it lost and had won just one playoff win prior to his arrival. That all changed under his leadership, as the Trojans are coming off back-to-back Class A state championships and bring back a loaded offense.

“More than anything, I hope that people know and understand that I trusted God in everything I did,” Kiefer said. “I came to Green Sea Floyds and tried to establish a culture of hard work, good attitudes, and I hope those things will still be in place long after I’m gone. As I told the coaches, this team has a great chance to continue winning over the next few years. Next year, with Jaquan (Dixon) and Aaron (Graham) coming back, they could be in line for another state title.”

Just as it was when Kiefer took on the Green Sea Floyds program, the input of his wife, Debbie, was a big part of the decision-making process to leave. Debbie wanted to be near the coast back three years ago and will still get her wish with West Ashley’s proximity to Folly Beach.

“It’s funny, without talking to each other, my wife, myself and a friend from church all said at about the same time that my work at Green Sea (Floyds) was done,” Kiefer said. “It was just one of those things, a sign from God, that validated the thoughts that I was having. I knew for about 10 days or so before telling my players that I would be leaving, I wanted to make sure I told my principal (Dr. Andrea Pridgen), then I wanted to tell my players. They deserved to hear it from me. I know they will continue to work hard and will be successful moving forward.”

For now, the Trojans are coming off their most successful season ever and will have to defend their state title with a new face patrolling the sidelines.