Norcross High School renames stadium in honor of dedicated coach

     Norcross High School is honoring its former longtime head football coach, Keith G. Maloof, for his dedicated service to the school and the Norcross community. The school recently renamed its football stadium after him in recognition of his impact on the Blue Devils’ football program. Maloof, who retired last December after a 40-year coaching career, holds the record for most wins, 210, by any head coach in Gwinnett County. He led the Blue Devils as head coach for 26 years. The recognition was made official during a game between Norcross High and Lanier High, where Maloof’s son, Tyler Maloof, coaches.

“I poured my heart into this program – not for personal recognition, but because I believe in what this game can do for young people,” Keith Maloof shares. “The naming of the field represents not only my journey, but the contribution of everyone who’s ever been a part of this program…the players, coaches, trainers, teachers, administration, staff, families, boosters, and the student body. This isn’t just my name on a sign. It’s a symbol of shared effort, shared sacrifice, and a shared belief in what we were building here. I’m honored and I’m thankful to have been surrounded by good people along the way. One Norcross, One Family.”

     Keith Maloof was named head coach at Norcross High in 1999, committing himself to building a program that would work hard, play hard, and win. In true Blue Devil fashion, he led the program to its first state championship in 2012 and followed it with another title in 2013. Under his leadership, the Blue Devils also won seven regional championships.

     “Naming the stadium after Coach Maloof was a natural and deeply meaningful decision. As the all-time winningest coach in Gwinnett County history, Coach Maloof’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Norcross High School,” says Norcross High’s Athletic Director Vincent Byams. “Norcross football is synonymous with his name—not just because of the victories, but because of the vision, leadership, and heart he brought to the program. Under his guidance, Norcross became one of the most respected, successful football programs in the state of Georgia and in the nation with back-to-back state titles.”

     During 29 seasons as head coach, Keith Maloof never had a losing regular season. His leadership also produced several NFL players, including New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara and former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter.

     “Norcross is and will always be a special place to me and my family,” Tyler Maloof says. “It's where I met my wife and where I spent every Friday night growing up as a ball boy, player, and eventually a coach.  I'm proud and excited for my dad that his legacy will live on forever at a school and community that mean so much to my family.”

Congratulations to Keith Maloof and the Norcross High School community!