Alabama high school coaches resign: What did Hoover's Drew Gilmer and Adam Helms do?

Hoover High School head coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms have resigned following the release of controversial videos in practice sessions. The announcement of their resignations came just two days after they were placed on administrative leave by the school, in response to the disturbing footage.

The resignations were effective immediately and were accepted during an emergency board of education meeting held by Hoover City Schools on Thursday. Superintendent Kevin Maddox addressed the situation in a brief statement, saying (via AL):

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff continue to be our top priorities. We maintain high expectations for our employees and students. At this time, our focus is dedicated to supporting our football players and coaching staff.”

The controversial videos were initially uploaded to HUDL before circulating on social media on Friday. In one of the videos, a coach is seen thrusting his hips into the face of a player lying on the field. Another video shows another coach violently ripping a player's helmet off after a tackle, causing the athlete to fall to the ground, after which the coach was seen throwing the helmet to the ground in frustration.

Attorneys Juandalynn Givan and Reginald McDaniel held a press conference on Wednesday on behalf of one of the players featured in the videos. They described the incidents as "physical abuse and extreme humiliation" and stated that the player's parents have contacted the Hoover Police Department to pursue criminal charges against Gilmer.

The Hoover Police Department has since confirmed that it is actively investigating the incidents.

Gilmer, the nephew of former Alabama quarterback and NFL star Harry Gilmer, was brought in this year after a successful stint at Clay-Chalkville, where he won two of the last three Class 6A state titles. His departure makes him the Bucs’ third head coach in the last four years. Meanwhile, Helms, who followed Gilmer from Clay-Chalkville, also leaves under a cloud.

Chip English to step in following Alabama high school coaches resign

Chip English has been named the interim head coach for Hoover High School's football team following the resignation of Drew Gilmer and Adam Helms. Previously serving as the team’s offensive coordinator, English will now lead the team through the 2024 season, which starts in two weeks.

English previously held head coaching roles at Albertville and Grissom high schools, and his appointment was officially announced in a press release on Thursday.

“We appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity and support our players and coaching staff during this transition,” the Thursday press release said (via AL).

Hoover High School has not claimed a state title since 2017, despite winning 11 state championships in its history. The Buccaneers are set to open their season on Aug. 24 in Florida, where they will participate in a national showcase event against Western High School.