Aaron Powell (left) is the new football coach at West Brunswick with Shane Handy retiring.
(West Brunswick Photo)
After guiding West Brunswick to a 7-5 football record and the second round of the NCHSAA 6-A playoffs in 2025, Shane Handy is in the process of retiring from education. That means stepping down as football coach of the Trojans.
Aaron Powell, who has worked as defensive coordinator at West, will become coach.
“It’s time to retire as a head coach,” Handy said. “I’ll finish teaching this semester.”
Handy said he plans to help his mother, who is in private business. Handy lost his father to an illness in October.
Handy took over the Trojans after 1-9 season in 2022. West was 1-9 in 2023 but showed progress in 2024 with a 3-7 record that included wins over New Hanover and South Brunswick to season.
Handy feels the program is in good shape in terms of participation numbers and offseason work ethic.
“We’re going in the right direction,” Handy said. “The coaching staff is a good group of men.”
Handy said Powell is ready for the opportunity as head coach. Powell has been at West Brunswick for six years, the last two as defensive coordinator. He previously was an assistant at Pinecrest in Southern Pines.
Handy coached at Clayton for two seasons before coming to West. His spring 2021 Comets team had a 27-16 second round playoff win at West.
Handy coached Randleman for 12 seasons with a 95-53 record that included nine playoff trips.
Earlier in his career, Handy coached on the college level at Ouachita Baptist, Catawba, Guilford and Delta State.
Handy didn’t rule put being involved in coaching again.
“Can’t say never, but I don’t see me doing a head job anymore,” Handy said. “I’m going to take a year off. I could see assisting a little bit.”
