Hoover Head Football Coach Drew Gilmer Placed on Administrative Leave

August 6, 2024

Hoover, AL – Hoover Bucs head football coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms have been placed on administrative leave. This decision, announced by Hoover City Schools on Tuesday, is intended to “ensure a thorough and impartial review of recent developments.”

Videos that surfaced on social media Tuesday afternoon seem to depict concerning conduct by certain coaches during a recent practice session at Hoover.

This video is from a practice on the Hoover field. I am not saying any coach involved is one of the two coaches placed on leave. It is a quick video, you’ll see an adult/coach rip off a players helmet and throw it while another adult/coach does something odd to the players head.… pic.twitter.com/fRlAFLhFLR

— Ryan Brown (@RyanBrownLive) August 6, 2024

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

Gilmer took the helm at Hoover in January, taking over for former Bucs head coach Wade Waldrop who lead the Class 7A power to a 16-9 record over two seasons.

Before taking the reins of the Hoover program, Gilmer led the Class 6A Clay-Chalkville Cougars to a pair of state titles and an 81-12 record over the previous eight seasons. Gilmer’s 2023 Cougars squad finished the season at 14-0 clamming their second state championship in the past three seasons.

Bucs defensive coordinator Adam Helms, followed Gilmer from Clay-Chalkville.

Click here to check out the full 2024 Alabama high school football Coaching Carousel.

The timing of this development is particularly critical, as the Bucs are set to kick off their 2024 campaign in 18 days. Hoover is scheduled to open their season on August 24 in south Florida against Davie, FL’s Western High School.

Hoover City School’s also stated in their release that “Parents, students and staff will be informed of any significant developments as the investigation progresses.”