Coach Mike Collins comes to River Ridge with a proven track record of rebuilding programs.  Prior to his arrival, the Wheeler Wildcats suffered a 21 game losing streak.  However, under Collins, the Wildcats experienced a complete turnaround that included three state playoff appearances and a top ten state ranking in 2018.  The Pebblebrook Falcons were 3-7 before Coach Collins led them to consecutive playoff berths in 2006 and 2007 including a region championship and a second round playoff appearance.  Collins also led the Chamblee Bulldogs to the state playoffs in 2008 and 2009.  Coach Collins began his coaching career in Cherokee County.  As an assistant coach, he was a vital part of the coaching staff that took the Cherokee Warriors from ten straight losing seasons to five playoff wins and a region championship (2002, 2003, and 2004).  Coach Collins has received several awards including the Cobb County Coach of the Year, the Region 5-AAAAAA Coach of the Year, and the Corky Kell Coaching of Excellence Award.   

Coach Collins is a graduate of Cherokee High school where he played football, baseball, and basketball. He has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Florida, a Masters of Science in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University, and an Educational Specialist in Coaching Pedagogy from Valdosta State University.

Coach Collins’ mission at River Ridge is to build young men of great character and provide each player with guidance to establish a strong foundation for his future.  Coach Collins has 21 years of experience and he is looking forward to the challenge of developing the River Ridge Knights into a competitive program.  He and his wife LaToya have 2 beautiful children: Willie (24), and Micah (16).  Together they are excited about serving River Ridge and the Cherokee County Community.