GARNER–Veteran Garner High School head football coach Nelson Smith is assuming the duties as athletic director at the Wake County school, according to various media reports including the Raleigh News and Observer.

Smith, who has been at Garner for 30 years, succeeds Doc Harrell as athletic director, as Harrell has announced his retirement.

Smith guided the Garner football team to a 15-1 mark last fall and played in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 4-AA football championship. He has indicated he will retire from coaching following this football season.

He came to Garner as an assistant coach under Hal Stewart and took over the reins of the program from Stewart in 2000.