Satsuma hires former Excel head coach to lead football program

Satsuma High School has officially tapped former Excel head coach Jason Phillips to lead its football program. The appointment, confirmed this past Friday, marks a new chapter for the Gators as Phillips steps in to replace Rodney Jordan. Beyond his duties on the gridiron, Phillips will also serve as the school's athletic director.

A Proven Leader for the Gators

Phillips arrives at Satsuma following a five-year tenure at Excel, where he accumulated a 27-25 record. His leadership helped drive two Class 3A playoff appearances, highlighted by a standout 2022 campaign where he guided the Panthers to a 9-2 record and the program's first region title since 1997. In addition to his time at the helm of Excel, the Sylacauga native brings valuable experience from previous coaching stops at Saraland and St. Luke’s Episcopal.

In a statement, Phillips expressed his enthusiasm for the move: “I am grateful to Superintendent Dana Price and Principal Dr. Jason Golden for affording me this opportunity. I believe we have a special opportunity to make a lasting impact and legacy on Satsuma High School and the City of Satsuma. I ask our alumni, community and business leaders, parents, administrators, faculty, and students to join me as we work together to positively impact our school, our community, and the lives of our students. Go Gators!”

Setting the Stage for Success

Satsuma City Schools Superintendent Dana Price emphasized the importance of the hire, noting that the school’s athletic programs serve as a “front porch” to the community. “Coach Phillips brings a proven record of success, strong leadership, and outstanding character,” Price said. “I am excited to welcome him to the Gator family and believe he has the vision, experience, and commitment to build upon the proud tradition of excellence that already exists in Satsuma.”

Looking Ahead

Phillips inherits a program looking to find its footing after finishing last season with a 3-7 overall record and an 0-6 mark in Class 4A, Region 1. As the Gators aim for their first playoff victory in program history—having last appeared in the postseason in 2020—they will face a challenging schedule. Over the next two years, Satsuma will compete in Class 4A, Region 1 alongside B.C. Rain, Citronelle, LeFlore, Orange Beach, Vigor, and Williamson.