Sports

Reeves selected to replace Fairhart as Gig Harbor football coach

Gig Harbor High School promoted Darrin Reeves from defensive coordinator to head football coach to replace George Fairhart, Principal Michele Suiter and Athletic Director Bob Werner announced in a press release Friday. Fairhart, 60, guided the Tides to a 26-18 record in five seasons. He disclosed his resignation on Jan. 19, presumably leaving to be closer to his family. He keeps a house in Morton.

Reeves, the Tides’ defensive coordinator the past four years, was selected from a field of 15 applicants. Six were interviewed and three brought back a second time.

“I cannot put into words how excited I am to be the new head football coach at Gig Harbor High School,” said Reeves, a math teacher at Key Peninsula Middle School, in an statement. “These past four years as defensive coordinator have been some of the best years I have experienced as a coach.

“I am excited to continue building great relationships with all families and creating a family atmosphere within the program. I am here to help your student-athlete grow not only as athletes but also as a young adult. We will take pride in how we represent the community on and off the field. I am looking forward to working with you all to give our athletes the best opportunity at being successful both as an athlete and student.”

Reeves began coaching in 2011, spending two seasons at Northeastern (Okla.) State University as a graduate assistant, coaching wide receivers and tight ends. He served as defensive line coach at Muskogee (Okla.) High School. After moving to the Northwest, Reeves spent two years at Stadium High School as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. He joined the Gig Harbor staff in 2018.

Reeves said the Tides, who finished 6-4 last season and lost in the first round of the state playoffs, boasted on of the top defenses the South Sound Conference, giving up just 15 points per game, so he’ll make few changes. That will allow him to focus on bringing more tempo and consistency to the offense in games and practices.

“Everybody moving all the time is something I will ensure takes place,” said Reeves. “This means all players and coaches will be well prepared and with clear goals to accomplish each day.”

Reeves said he’ll also stress strength and conditioning and is working with the Gig Harbor Sports Boosters to rejuvenate the weight room, add new equipment and expand hours to ensure the program is ready to roll on Sept. 2 when the Tides open the season against Spanaway Lake.

“I am beyond excited to continue to give all I can to the Tides football program, as well as the Gig Harbor community,” said Reeves, who lives in Gig Harbor with his wife Taylor and their two children. “We look forward to seeing a packed Roy Anderson Field on Sept. 2.”

There will be other new faces in key roles for the Tides football program. They will be announced after they have informed their current employers, according to the press release.