Hoover High School head football coach, defensive coordinator resign

HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) - Hoover High School head football coach Drew Gilmer and Defensive Coordinator Adam Helms have resigned from their respective positions, effective immediately. The news was announced Thursday during a Board of Education special meeting.

The news comes after Gilmer and Helms were both placed on administrative leave earlier this week after two videos circulated on social media showing a coach during a recent practice running toward a player during a drill, grabbing the same player’s facemask and ripping off his helmet and a coach appearing to thrust their hips in the face of player as another coach pulled off the player’s helmet.

According to a news release earlier this week from the school, the decision to put the coaches on administrative leave “was made to ensure a thorough and impartial review of recent developments.”

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. We are taking this matter seriously and working diligently to resolve it promptly and fairly,” said Hoover Schools Superintendent Kevin Maddox in the news release.

“The past few days have been extremely unsettling for many of our varsity football players, coaches, and the overall Hoover Community,” Maddox said. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff continue to be our top priorities.” Maddox added, “ We maintain high expectations for our employees and students. At this time, our focus is dedicated to supporting our football players and coaching staff.”

Gilmer was hired to be Hoover’s new football coach in January, following a highly successful career at Clay-Chalkville. Adam Helms was hired as the defensive coordinator, following Gilmer from Clay-Chalkville.

Hoover Police are now investigating after the videos began circulating on social media.

“This has nothing to do with him being a good coach on the field of play. It has everything to do with what was depicted on the video in an instance that left pause and concern again throughout, not just Alabama, but throughout the sports industry as a whole,” said attorney Rep. Juandalyn Givan.

On Wednesday, Hoover announced Chip English as the interim head coach of the program. He was serving as the offensive coordinator for the team before becoming the interim head coach.

Hoover is set to open their 2024 season in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, August 24th. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.

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