By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
MONTGOMERY- The Alabama Football Coaches Association announced their Coach of the Year slate Monday.
Three coaches in the Tribune’s coverage area took home honors.
Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd was named 7A Coach of the Year.
Floyd, in his tenth year with the Huskies, has an 82-35 record at Hewitt. He compiled a 99-29 record and four state titles at Shiloh Christian in Arkansas.
“It is always an honor to receive an award like this from your peers in the same profession,” said Floyd.
“Its a huge team award for the players, the assistant coaches and the administration.”
Whenever something like this happens it’s huge for the community,” he said.
Clay-Chalkville’s Drew Gilmer was named 6A Coach of the Year.
Gilmer has an 82-12 record in seven seasons at Clay with two state titles.
Clay-Chalkville’s offensive coordinator Josh Floyd says that what makes Gilmer a good coach is his management style.
“He does a good job of letting the people he hired do their job,” Floyd said.
“He lets his coaches coach and puts a lot of trust in his staff.”
Springville’s Matt Partridge was named 5A Assistant Coach of the Year.
Partridge serves as the Tigers’ offensive line coach, defensive coach and strength coach.
“He’s a unicorn,” said Springville head coach Jon Clements.
Partridge, a Trussville and UAB grad, got his start at Shades Valley with his father, David, before going to Vestavia for a year before joining Clements.
“There is no one more deserving,” Clemets said. “He exemplifies everything the award stands for.”
“He is a good man, a good teacher, a good fit.”
“He’s a great coach, but he’s a tremendous faculty member and our kids love him; they really jive with him.”
“He makes my job a lot easier,” Clemets added.
The coaches will be honored at the Coach of the Year Luncheon on Jan. 27, 2024, in Monthomery at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
They will receive a plaque and a ring.