AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs Announces Retirement

Montgomery, AL – Alvin Briggs Executive Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), has announced his plan to retire on September 2. The significant announcement was made during the Central Board of Control’s April meeting held at the AHSAA office in Montgomery, marking a notable moment in the meeting’s agenda.

With a tenure that spans over a decade with the AHSAA, Briggs has contributed to the association in various capacities. His roles have included serving as the Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA) and a short stint as the association’s Associate Executive Director. He stepped into his current position in July of 2021, succeeding Steve Savarese. This appointment also made him the first person to be selected to lead the association while being part of the AHSAA executive staff. Throughout his 35-year career in education, Briggs has made substantial strides and led the association through some challenging periods.

Reflecting on his time with the AHSAA, Briggs expressed heartfelt sentiments about his experience and the decision to retire:

“My time with the AHSAA has been memorable. I am humbled and thankful for having the opportunity to serve our member schools and Central Board as their executive director. I am grateful to the AHSAA staff for their commitment to serving our member schools. I will miss this extended family. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish and am confident the AHSAA will continue to move forward facing and overcoming the many challenges that the future might bring. Now, after much prayer, it is time for me to retire.”

Central Board President Mike Welsh, extended his gratitude to Briggs for his dedicated service, following the retirement revelation:

“We want to congratulate you on your retirement, and we thank you for your service,”

Briggs navigated the AHSAA through the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic and introduced innovative changes to Alabama prep athletics. Some of his notable achievements include pioneering girls’ flag football, securing new venues for state baseball and softball championships, and overseeing a surge in participation across non-revenue sports. Under his guidance, the AHSAA experienced record revenue sharing contributions back to member schools, particularly significant as the association emerged from the pandemic with a thriving attendance at championship events.

Prior to joining the AHSAA staff in 2011 Briggs, anchored Greenville High’s defense as a starter for all four years during his high school career. His prowess on the gridiron followed him to Auburn University in the 1980s, where he excelled as a defensive back. With a career total of nine interceptions, Briggs played a significant role in Auburn’s 1987 SEC championship run.

After college, the Dallas Cowboys picked Briggs in the NFL draft. Although his pro football career was brief, spanning just a single season, he transitioned smoothly into coaching. Briggs began as a graduate assistant at the University of North Alabama, where he spent a decade as an assistant coach, shaping the Lions’ defensive strategies.

In 2001 Briggs returned to Greenville High accepting his first head coach coaching position at his alma mater.  Over four seasons, he led the Tigers to a 18-25 record and three postseason appearances over four seasons.  From 2007-2011 he served as the head coach at Florence High School, guiding the Falcons to a 34-19 mark and pair of playoff berths.  

In a notable career pivot in 2011, Briggs stepped away from the sidelines taking on the role of director for the AHSAA Athletic Directors and Coaches Association.

Also on the agenda, the Central Board approved a series of sports committee recommendations presented by Assistant Director Jeff Segars, which includes aligning starting dates for middle school football contests, waiving a ban on GPS watches use in Cross Country, and permitting single official use in sub-varsity Volleyball contests under certain conditions. Basketball schools may now utilize a shot clock for non-area games if agreed upon, and Class 7A schools now have the option to extend their season owing to their non-participation in sub-regional playoffs.

Other updates include the integration of varsity and junior varsity Flag Football dates, Swimming section meet elimination in favor of using regular-season times as qualifiers, Bowling playoff format realignment, and Wrestling schedule adjustments to accommodate girls’ wrestling and other procedural changes.

In addition, the Central Board election for the 2024-25 school year concluded with the selection of UMS-Wright’s Terry Curtis from District 1 as the new president and Pelham’s Kim Kiel from District 5 as vice president, the pair will officially assume their roles on July 1st

The AHSAA Legislative Council will meet Wednesday afternoon to vote on a number of proposals submitted by member schools.

Other Central Board action included:

• Approved the 2023 Super 7 and Football State Playoff financial report.
• Approved 2024 financial reports for Regional and State Bowling, Duals, Section and State Wrestling, Indoor Track, and 2024 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Basketball.
• Heard a report from Associate Executive Director Kim Vickers concerning the Classification Task Force and approved their recommendations.
• Approved the 2024-25 Required Forms release date and any form changes.
• Approved the Strategic Process and Budget for 2024-2009.
• Approved Wilson’s official volleyball for 2025-26 season.
  Heard a report from AHSADCA Director Brandon Dean concerning the 2024 Summer Conference and All-Star Sports Week.
• Approved expenses for the 2024 NFHS Summer Meeting to be held in Boston (MA).
• Approved the 2024-25 Calendar of Events, the 2024-25 Sports Calendar and the AHSAA Five-Year Calendar (2024-2029).
• Discussed the current proposals to be addressed by the Legislative Council.