COFFEETOWN HS SPORTS

Nick Gentry will replace Rush Propst as the new head football coach at Pell City High School.

Stepping into this role and replacing that coach is not a task for the faint of heart. Luckily, Gentry played football for Nick Saban at Alabama. So around Pell City, he’s automatically a step or two above a mere mortal.

New Pell City Athletics Director Marty Smith (different Marty Smith than friend of Coffeetown Football Marty Smith) introduced the up-until-recently interim head coach to the team on Thursday.

“He’s earned the position. That’s just the bottom line. Through the trials and tribulations, he’s been the person who has kept everything in line,” Smith told AL.com.

“The kids are working hard. The assistant coaches are working hard. I went over there on my first day as athletic director on June 3. The workouts were organized and crisp. The kids were bouncing around. They were having fun but working their rear-ends off. I went back the next day. Same thing. Nick has earned this.”

Nick Saban’s Coaching Tree now includes Nick Gentry at Pell City

If you know ball, you know about The Process.

Nick Saban’s relentless approach to life and the game of football leaves its mark on everyone who played for him.

Pell City is about to experience that this season.

“I’ve had some trials in life that have punched me in the face. But coach Saban’s system and the way he ran it, he pushed us to get through tough challenges,” Gentry told AL.com.

“He set us up with realistic situations that prepared me to get through the tough moments. Everyone runs into challenges, but only certain people know how to handle it. He got me ready for those moments.”

Mullet steals the show in announcement video

One thing stood out to me in Pell City’s announcement video of new head coach Nick Gentry:

Front and center, this Alabama mud flap is the most impressive thing – and one of the only things – I now know about the Panthers.

It’s a new era for Pell City. Rush Propst resigned not long after a motion on the athletic board tried to remove him.

Who knows what he’ll do next?

He has a way of attracting attention and excitement no matter where he goes, and that next appearance will be no different.

One thing never changes in Alabama High School football. And that’s strong flows out the back of Schutts and Riddells across the state.

Go get ‘em, son. Go get ‘em, Coach Gentry.