‘A Light for Tevin’, hundreds gather to honor life and memory of beloved father, football coach in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Hundreds gathered Friday night at Minick Field for a candlelight vigil honoring Tevin Holman, the 34-year-old youth football coach and mentor killed Sunday in a shooting on Savannah’s Westside.

Holman, known as Coach Tevin to kids across the Coastal Empire, died Sunday afternoon in a shooting on West 53rd Street.

Friends, family, fellow coaches and players remembered Holman as a father, coach and mentor who made every child feel special, loved and valued.

A legacy with 912 United

As president and coach of 912 United, a youth football league, Holman helped lead a mission to uplift children through sports.

“Just talking with him, just a little bit of what he was telling me, let me know that his mind was everything I needed for us to start the journey we started with 912 United,” fellow coach Jeffery Hester said.

Coaches said they believed in Holman’s mission and vowed to continue it.

“His legacy don’t leave. Really, it motivates us now to make sure that we push everything that he wanted to happen. And it’s going to happen,” his fellow coaches said.

Father to the whole youth

Children spoke during the vigil about their beloved coach, describing him as more than a coach — a father figure to many.

“He was great. He was more than just his son’s father. He was a father to the whole youth,” Jeffery Hester, a fellow coach and bestfriend of Holman’s said. “If you knew who he was, you embraced every kid.”

Each team took photos by candlelight in front of a banner with Holman’s photo. The night ended with a balloon release in his honor.

Go Fund Me

The mother of Holman’s children has posted a GoFundMe for a proper burial and support for his kids.

“I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of Savon Tevin Holman and our three children he leaves behind: Braylon, Kaycen, and Kamryn.

On October 18, 2026, Savon was tragically taken from us. His passing has left an unimaginable void in the lives of his children, family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him.

Savon was more than a father, son, brother and friend. He was a beloved coach and the president of the 912 United youth sports organization, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes. He was also a proud Beach High School alumni, Class of 2010, and a graduate of Savannah State University, Class of 2017.

Through his involvement in youth sports, Savon touched many lives and became a meaningful part of our community. His legacy will live on through his children, the young people he coached, and the countless people who had the opportunity to know him.

We are asking for your support to help give Coach Savon Tevin Holman the proper homegoing service he deserves and to provide additional support for the family and children he leaves behind during this incredibly difficult time.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will be deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much to our family.

Thank you for your prayers, love, generosity, and support as we navigate this heartbreaking loss. We are forever grateful for everyone who has reached out, shown up, and helped honor Savon’s life and legacy."