Wade Waldrop Steps Down as Hoover Head Football Coach

Hoover, AL – Hoover head football coach Wade Waldrop announced that he will be stepping down after two seasons at the helm of the 7A program.  

The statement from Hoover athletic director Harley Lamey confirming the move read, “Hoover High School head football coach Wade Waldrop has submitted his resignation effective December 14. 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.”

In Waldrop’s first season in 2022, he lead the Bucs to an 11-2 mark before falling to eventual state Champion Thompson in the the Class 7A semifinals.  In 2023, the Bucs slipped to 5-7 posting their first loosing season since finishing 4-6 in 1998. 

The Bucs’ 2023 campaign was marked by early season losses to Auburn, Mississippi power Oak Grove, Vestavia Hills, Hewitt-Trussville, and Mountain Brook, despite a promising 28-20 victory over rival Spain Park in week two.  After a rocky start, the Bucs regained their footing with three consecutive region victories over Oak Mountain, Tuscaloosa County and Chelsea before falling to defending 7A state champion Thompson to cap the regular season. The Bucs knocked off James Clemens 42-16 in the first round of the postseason before being eliminated by Hewitt-Trussville in round two. 

“It was an honor and privilege to serve as head football coach at Hoover High School. I would like to thank former Hoover High principal John Montgomery and former Hoover High Athletics Director Andy Urban for giving me the opportunity to lead the Buccaneer program, its players and staff. To the players and staff: I am thankful for the effort and dedication you showed over the past two seasons. I am proud to be associated with such a great group of men. To Parents, Supporters and Fans: Thank you for the passion and support of the program.” Waldrop said in a statement. 

During his two year stint at the helm of the Hoover program, Waldrop lead the Bucs to a 16-9 record including an 11-3 mark in region play, a 3-2 record in the postseason and a region title in 2022.

Before taking over at Hoover in 2022 he spent one season at Florence (5-6), eight years at James Clemens (54-35) and seven seasons at Chelsea (41-34).  His career head coaching record currently stands at 116-84 with 13 playoff appearances, four region titles and a 7-13 mark in postseason play.    

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