Rush Propst Resigns After One Season as Pell City Head Football Coach
Pell City, AL – Rush Propst has stepped down as Pell City High School’s head football coach, concluding his tenure after just one season. The decision came to light following a special called business meeting of the Pell City Board of Education late Friday afternoon, where Propst’s resignation was officially accepted.
Propst’s short stint at Pell City was marked by a challenging season, pulling only one win in contests. The Panthers were forced to forfeit an early season win against Center Point and fell in a pair of overtime matchups to closeout the season. Despite the team’s record, there was noticeable progress in terms of competitiveness compared to the 2022 season.
In a statement, Propst emphasized that his decision was personal, aimed at benefiting the team, his family, and the Pell City school system as a whole. “This afternoon I submitted my resignation from the Pell City School System. I will no longer be the head football coach at Pell City High School effective today. To be absolutely clear, this decision was mine and mine alone,” Propst stated. He expressed gratitude toDr. Martin and the Pell City Board of Education for the opportunity and reflected on the hardships the Panthers overcame during his tenure. “We have fought through difficult circumstances, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish in a short period of time.”
Propst’s coaching career began as an assistant at his alma mater, Ohatchee High School, in 1977 where he helped guide the Indians to their first state football championship in program history. He spent time as an assistant at Cleburne County and Cherokee (GA) before accepting his first head coaching position at Ashville in 1989. He lead the Bulldogs to a 25-20 record including a trip to the Class 3A semifinals over four seasons. Following a four year stint at Eufaula (24-20) he made the move to Mobile County guiding Alma Bryant to 17-5 mark in two seasons.
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In 1999, Propst accepted the top job at Hoover High School. Over a span of nine years, he lead the Bucs to five state championships, securing Hoover’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier high school football programs with multiple top-25 national rankings. His tenure at Hoover was marked by significant achievements, including four consecutive Class 6A state championships from 2002 to 2005 and a pre-season No. 1 national ranking entering the 2006 season.
Following nine seasons at Hoover, the Jacksonvile State University alum made the move to Georgia. After inheriting a struggling Colquitt County High program, he quickly turned the south Georgia program’s fortunes around, leading the Packers to the state semifinals by his second season. His tenure in Moultrie was highlighted by consecutive undefeated seasons in 2014 and 2015, each culminating in Georgia AAAAAA State Championships. Propst was relieved of his duties following the 2018 season, subsequently serving as a volunteer assistant coach at UAB before a one year stop as head coach at traditional power Valdosta High School for one season in 2020.
Propst’s career head coaching record currently stands at 296-117 including seven state championships over 33 seasons.
Current defensive coordinator Nick Gentry has been named the Panthers interim head football coach.
