Coaching Changes Coming at Hoover, Brookwood
There are a LOT of differences in the football programs at Hoover High School and Brookwood High. The former has a trophy case full of football title mementos. The latter rarely even makes the playoffs.
But the two schools located less than 30 minutes apart have one thing in common as we speak: both are looking for new head football coaches.
Wade Waldrep is out after two seasons at Hoover. Mike Bramblett resigned after five years at the helm at Brookwood.
The Waldrep situation was an odd one from the jump. Sources say Hoover's principal had planned to hire another candidate that had previously been a Bucs assistant coach and knew the lay of the land. Then, at the last minute, the superintindent pulled rank and named Waldrep, who came from Florence.
Current Hoover Superintindent Harley Lamey said Waldrop’s resignation takes effectThursday.
“Hoover High School head football coach Wade Waldrop has submitted his resignation effective December 14,” Lamey’s statement said. “We would like to express our gratitude to coach Waldrop for his contributions to our football program during the past two years and thank him for investing in our student-athletes. We wish him well in his future endeavors.
“Following board approval, we will begin the process of finding our next head football coach.”
Waldrep went 16-9 in two years guiding the Bucs, but this season the program suffered its first losing season since 1998 going 5-7.
Brookwood, on the other hand, is used to losing in football.
Bramlett had been an assistant at Hillcrest before taking over the Panther program. His five-year slate read 12-38, and in its long, sordid history the Panther football program is 305-548-20.
Two stark contrasts. Two common goals. Hoover AND Brookwood want to win, and need a new coach.
Tuscaloosa County Wildcats vs. Paul W. Bryant Stampede
Gallery Credit: J.R. Moore and Joe Gaither