AHSAA suspends Mary G. Montgomery football coach, team placed on probation

The Mary G. Montgomery High School football program is facing severe consequences following an Alabama High School Athletic Association investigation into recruiting violations. The school has been fined and placed on probation after a probe into an April signing event for eighth-grade students that included participants not zoned for the school.

Disciplinary Action and Impact

As a result of the AHSAA ruling, head football coach Zach Golson has been suspended from coaching in the association for the entire 2026-2027 school year. Furthermore, the Vikings' varsity program has been hit with restrictive probation for the upcoming 2026 season. While the team is permitted to play its full 10-game regular-season schedule, they are barred from postseason competition. Additionally, all games against Mary G. Montgomery will not count toward Class 6A, Region 1 standings or tiebreaker scenarios.

Regarding the student-athletes involved, those found in violation of recruitment rules are now permanently ineligible to compete at Mary G. Montgomery, though they may regain eligibility in their respective home districts. The total number of impacted athletes remains unclear.

Context of the Investigation

The inquiry centered on an April signing ceremony for middle schoolers, which surfaced on social media. Such gatherings fall under strict National High School Federation rules prohibiting communication or contact with students enrolled in other schools. AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon stated, “We appreciate the administration for investigating and reporting this violation.”

Golson, who had previously been placed on administrative leave by Mobile County Public Schools, declined to comment when reached on Monday.

Golson's Tenure at MGM

The suspension marks a significant hurdle for a coach who transformed the Vikings' program. In four seasons, Golson recorded 37 victories—the fourth-most in school history—and secured the program's only three playoff wins. He was recognized as the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 7A Coach of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. Before his arrival in 2022, the school had struggled to a 30-90 record over the span of six previous coaching tenures.

In the wake of the ongoing investigation, defensive coordinator Alex Page led the Vikings during their recent spring game against Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.