CULLMAN COUNTY – Vinemont is not the only school in and around The Tribune coverage area that is looking to replace a head football coach.
It has been a week since the school decided not to renew the contract of Matt Norris. Norris had been head coach for the Eagles since 2015, but Vinemont managed just three victories and decided to change the program.
As of Tuesday, 14 schools in the Alabama High School Athletic Association need a head football coach.
In the neighboring town of Arley, Meek High School is looking to fill a vacancy after Lance Archer recently resigned.
When Berry High School comes to Cold Springs Sept. 1, the Wildcats will have a new leader. At this time, the process to replace Danny Raines is still ongoing.
Brindlee Mountain will have a new leader on the sidelines when the Lions meet rival Holly Pond on the first Friday in September. Keith Garner was recently hired. Garner is a former coach at Arab High School and J.B. Pennington in Blountsville.
Over in Marshall County, Douglas is looking at candidates to replace the vacancy left by former coach Brad Pounds.
Elkmont in Limestone County has a new coach. The Red Devils have hired Duane Wales. His first task will be facing a very strong Addison Bulldog team at Elkmont on Aug. 25.
Section High School in Jackson County was the latest to have a football team without a head coach. Drew Davis submitted his resignation Tuesday.
Schools like Vinemont and Meek are accepting applications and going through the process to fill the vacancies. Vinemont Principal Ferrell Runge told The Tribune last week, they want to possibly have a replacement in two weeks.
Getting a new coach in ample time will allow everyone to get organized, especially a new coach and his or her new staff, not to mention the players, with fall practice two months from beginning.
Hanceville High School experienced a similar situation last year when Danny Miller resigned in June; his position was filled by Craig Flanigan three weeks before the season began.
Flanigan was able to overcome the issues of late preparation and got his team ready for the season opener, in which Hanceville went to Cold Springs and upset the Eagles 20-8 on Aug. 19.
Vinemont's regular season doesn't officially begin until Sept. 1 when the Eagles play Good Hope at Mark Smothers Stadium. Meek kicks off the new schedule at home Aug. 25 vs. Phillips from Bear Creek. Both schools are approaching the situation with the confidence that the transitions will be smooth.
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