Caleb Gaither leaving Northwestern for another SC boys basketball coaching job
Northwestern is in the market for a new boys basketball coach.
Caleb Gaither, who coached the Trojans for one season, is leaving the Rock Hill school. He has accepted the head coaching job at Spartanburg.
The move was first reported by Pete Yannity of WSPA 7News.
Gaither went 19-7 overall and 6-2 in Region 4-5A in 2021-22. His team earned a 2-seed in the 5A postseason and won a first-round playoff game before falling to Dorman in the second round.
Before coming to Northwestern, Gaither served as head coach for Lower Richland — where he compiled a 67-44 record and made the postseason in three of his four seasons. He won a Class 3A state championship in 2017.
Gaither told The Herald in an interview Friday afternoon that the relationships he made at Northwestern — with his players, with his students and with his colleagues — will always be special to him. The Lancaster native grew up in the area and said it was an honor to coach at a school that felt like home.
At one point, Gaither said he saw himself coaching at the school for the rest of his career, “but God’s plan was different.”
“I’ll forever be grateful for (athletic director) Jimmy (Duncan) and (principal Hezekiah) Massey believing in me and giving me the opportunity for me to be there and lead that team,” Gaither said. “I just hope that we created some type of momentum, and they keep it going.”
Northwestern athletic director Jimmy Duncan confirmed Gaither’s departure on Friday afternoon. He said he wishes Gaither the best at his next stop and beyond.
“Coach Gaither did an amazing job for us on the court and off the court,” Duncan told The Herald in an interview. “He worked very hard behind the scenes, and we’re grateful for everything he’s done for us. And we wish him luck at Spartanburg.”
Northwestern posted the boys basketball job earlier this week, and the school will begin searching for Gaither’s successor immediately, Duncan said.
Summer high school basketball activities begin in June.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 1:10 PM.
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