February 3, 2026 — “F.A.M.I.L.Y. Forget About Me, I Love You.” That acrostic is the mindset Travis Roland, the incoming Head Football Coach at Wheeler High School, plans to instill in his new program. 

On a recent Thursday morning, Wheeler Athletic Director Barry Bowdre gathered the Wildcats football players in the weight room to introduce Coach Roland to the team.

“Gentlemen, I told you last month what I was looking for in our new head coach,” Bowdre emphasized to the assembled athletes. “I was looking for someone who was a proven winner, had a track record of developing talent, and could make us more competitive. We have found that guy.”

Coach Roland’s resume is undeniably impressive. Over nine years as a head football coach in Florida and Georgia, he has never experienced a losing season. His 75-29 overall record includes back-to-back Class 3S state title game appearances while coaching in Daytona Beach. After a 2022 Runner-Up finish, his 2023 team won the championship on the strength of a 14-1 season. He soon moved to South Georgia to lead Camden County’s football team, and the team qualified for the state playoffs in his first season. Over the span of his career, he has coached and developed dozens of players who have earned roster spots on college football teams, including eight who have played in Power-5 conferences. Now, he brings his experience and his team-first philosophy to Cobb County.

“Forget about me, I love you,” the Coach repeated his symbolic slogan. “That’s the mantra: for ‘self’ to lessen so that others can thrive. If we can teach a group of players to truly become a family, that’s when something special happens. The most special things come when players don’t care about their own individual success but make the team’s success more important.”

As Coach Roland addressed his new team, he told them that he had opportunities in other places, but “I chose you. So, I’m glad Wheeler chose me, too.”

When asked later why he chose to move to Cobb County, his answer again was laced with a family-centered theme.

“Well, I have two babies,” Coach Roland said proudly, “and anytime you can get yourself into an A-plus school district, you take that opportunity. With Cobb being one of the leaders in education, I felt like this was the best place for me and my family.”

The Coach was quick to point out that the athletes within the Wheeler program made this a great career decision as well.

“There’s a nest of talent here,” the coach noted. “So, I think it’s a great opportunity for us to do some great things and build a consistent program to compete in this county and region.”

Athletic Director Bowdre made sure to acknowledge the foundation that Coach Bryan Love, the team’s previous head coach, had established for the Wheeler football program. After 25 years in coaching, Love made a personal decision to step down to pursue opportunities in Education Administration.

“Under Coach Love, continuity has been great from a foundation standpoint,” AD Bowdre explained. “Coach Roland coming in is a natural fit. His history of success and the ideas that he wants to implement at Wheeler are very exciting. I believe he is a coach who will really elevate this program.”

Days later, AD Bowdre held a meet-and-greet for Wheeler parents, supporters, and community leaders to meet their new football coach. The overall mood of the gathering was very positive as once again, Coach Roland shared his plan for future success. The crowd walked away knowing their F.A.M.I.L.Y. had new heights in their sights.

Welcome to Cobb Schools, Coach Roland, and good luck as you start this new chapter.

h/t Cover graphic provided by Nick Brooks/Wheeler HS