Chad Eads Steps Down After Seven Seasons at Gardendale

GARDENDALE, AL – Gardendale High School head football coach Chad Eads has announced his resignation after seven seasons at the helm of the Rockets program. Eads, who stepped down Thursday morning, leaves behind an impressive record and a lasting impact on the program and the North Jefferson community.

Eads leaves Gardendale as the third all-time winningest coach in program history trailing only Alan Pridmore who led the Rockets from 1984 to 1991 and Ed Bruce (1975-1982).  

Over his seven-year tenure, Eads led the Rockets to a 50-33 record, with a notable 27-15 run in region play. Under his guidance, Gardendale secured a region title in 2022 and made six consecutive playoff appearances, including back-to-back trips to the Class 6A quarterfinals in 2021 and 2022.  The Rockets 2024 season came to a close at 5-5, falling one game short of reaching the postseason in a though Class 6A, Region 5.  

Reflecting on his decision to step down, Eads expressed gratitude for his time at Gardendale, saying, “Gardendale has been good to me and my family. I hope I left the program better than I found it.” He added, “This wasn’t an easy decision. My son coaches here with me, and it has been a great seven years.”

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Before accepting the Gardendale job in 2018, the Samford University letterman spent 11 seasons as the offensive line coach at powerhouse Hoover, where he helped lead the Bucs to an overall 135-22 record including six state championships, six region titles and a pair of undefeated seasons. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant at Huffman and Mississippi’s Clinton High School.  During his two year stint at Huffman he helped guide the Vikings to a 25-2 record, a pair of region crowns and a trip to the Class 6A semifinals.  

Gardendale High School principal Shelton Dukes praised Eads for his contributions, stating, “Coach Eads is a good man and has positively impacted the lives of numerous student-athletes. We will miss him and wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

While Eads is stepping away from Gardendale, his absence from the gridiron may not last long. He has no intention of retiring and plans to continue his coaching career.

As Gardendale bids farewell to Coach Eads, they remember a coach who brought passion, dedication, and success to the Rockets program, leaving an indelible mark on Gardendale High School football.