AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. — The Aiken County Public School District posted the head football coaching position at Silver Bluff High School on Thursday, signaling the departure of Matt Hayes after two seasons at the helm.
Hayes was hired in 2024 following the departure of De’Angelo Bryant. He led the Bulldogs to a 7–5 record in his second season after a 2–9 start in year one.
Hayes previously served as an assistant under Andrew Webb at Strom Thurmond and also spent time at South Aiken before returning to Silver Bluff. He was part of two state championship runs with the program — as a player in 2000 and as an assistant coach in 2001.
Coaching changes extend to basketball programs
The football opening is not the only change within Silver Bluff athletics this week.
Girls basketball head coach CaraLynn Williams stepped down after two seasons. Williams improved the team from a 6–18 record in her first season to 10–13 in year two.
The boys basketball head coaching position has also been posted. Abia Williams filled the head coaching vacancy at Midland Valley after serving as head coach for one year.
The program has been searching for stability since the departure of Robbie McKenzie in 2021. They’ve had three coaches since McKenzie: Aaron Stewart, Michael Prandy and Williams.
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