Alabama high school football: 10 underrated off-season coaching hires

The Alabama high school football landscape underwent a massive transformation during the offseason. With nearly 25 percent of programs across the state bringing in new leadership since the conclusion of the 2025 season, the coaching carousel has been spinning at a record pace.

While high-profile moves like Darrell Higgins heading to Russellville, Cody Flournoy taking the helm at Central-Phenix City, and Caleb Ross returning to the sidelines at Fairhope grabbed the headlines, there is significant intrigue surrounding the under-the-radar hires. From seasoned veterans returning to the game to rising stars taking on massive rebuilding projects, here are 10 underrated coaching changes to keep an eye on at 205focus.com.

10 Underrated Offseason Hires

Michael Darden, Muscle Shoals
Following the retirement of Scott Basden, Darden steps into the top job. As the program's offensive coordinator for the past five years, he oversaw a high-octane attack that averaged over 30 points per game, making him a natural choice to maintain the Trojans' status as a perennial contender.

Rico Jackson, Minor
Coming off a successful stint at Anniston, where he posted a 14-1 record in 2025 and reached the 4A state title game, Jackson takes on a major challenge at Minor. The Tigers have been searching for a spark, having failed to secure a postseason victory since 2016.

Gary Johnston, Greenville
Johnston brings a pedigree as a former Foley offensive coordinator to a Greenville program looking to regain its glory. The Tigers struggled through a 3-7 campaign in 2025, but the goal is to return to the form that saw them playing in the 5A semifinals back in 2018.

Darrell LeBeaux, Huffman
LeBeaux is tasked with resurrecting a dormant Huffman program. His resume speaks for itself; during his seven years at Pleasant Grove, he amassed 75 wins and three consecutive state championship game appearances between 2019 and 2021.

Drew Luker, Sweet Water
It is a return to roots for the Bulldogs as Drew Luker replaces Pat Thompson. Carrying on the legacy of his father, Stacy Luker—who claimed five state titles at the school—Drew aims to stabilize one of Alabama’s most consistent small-school programs following a rare down season.

John McKenzie, McIntosh
McKenzie takes over a team that enjoyed an eight-win breakout in 2025. While he is known for his short tenures, his track record is difficult to ignore. He previously led Vigor to a state championship and a semifinal appearance, proving he knows how to elevate a program quickly.

Lawrence O’Neal, Park Crossing
A rising name in the coaching ranks, O’Neal steps into a program looking for consistency. The son of Hall of Famer Jackie O’Neal brings strong momentum, having led Booker T. Washington to the 2023 state semifinals and Tallassee to the 2024 quarterfinals.

Greg Patterson, Dora
Patterson is a proven winner who recorded 61 victories in seven seasons at Hueytown, earning playoff berths every single year and a title game appearance in 2021. He is now charged with turning around a Dora program that slid to 2-8 last season.

Gus Smith, Blount
Blount has endured a difficult drought, winning only 12 games since 2020. Smith, however, is a proven program-builder who went 31-6 at Gordo from 2022 to 2024, consistently winning at least one playoff game each season. He provides a much-needed injection of success for the Leopards.

Jeremy Vines, Hueytown
The 2025 Class 4A Coach of the Year, Vines comes to Hueytown after guiding Bullock County to its first two playoff wins ever. He inherits a stable situation and looks to keep the Golden Gophers competitive at a high level.