Sumter (SC) Hires Drew Marlowe as New Head Football Coach

Marlowe led South Florence to two state championships in the last three seasons.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Less than a week after Drew Marlowe stepped down as the head football coach at South Florence (SC), he has been hired for the same position at Sumter (SC). Marlowe led South Florence to SCHSL Class 4A state championships in 2022 and 2024, compiling an overall record of 63-16 over six seasons with the Bruins.

Why it matters

Sumter High School is one of the largest and most successful high school football programs in South Carolina, so Marlowe's hiring represents a major coup for the Gamecocks as they look to build on their 9-2 record and top-5 state ranking from the 2025 season.

The details

During his time as the South Florence head coach, Marlowe led the Bruins to four state championship game appearances, winning titles in 2022 and 2024 before falling just short of a third 4A championship in 2025. South Florence has enjoyed 13 straight winning seasons, including six double-digit victory campaigns, under Marlowe's leadership.

  • Marlowe officially stepped down as South Florence's head coach less than a week ago.
  • Sumter High School hired Marlowe as their new head football coach.

The players

Drew Marlowe

The new head football coach at Sumter High School, Marlowe previously led South Florence to two state championships in the last three seasons.

Sumter High School

A public high school in Sumter, South Carolina with an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. The school's Gamecocks football team finished 9-2 and ranked 5th in the state in 2025.

South Florence High School

The previous coaching stop for Drew Marlowe, where he led the Bruins to SCHSL Class 4A state championships in 2022 and 2024.

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The takeaway

Sumter High School has made a major splash by hiring Drew Marlowe, one of the most successful high school football coaches in South Carolina over the past several seasons. Marlowe's track record of winning state titles should have the Gamecocks poised to contend for championships in the years to come.