Reuben Nelson Steps Down as Shades Valley Head Football Coach

IRONDALE, AL – Reuben Nelson has officially resigned from his role as head football coach and athletic director at Shades Valley High School. Nelson, who compiled a 15-22 record in his four-year tenure with the Mounties.  

Nelson is stepping away from the sidelines to return to Ramsay in a new role as an assistant principal at the international baccalaureate school.  This will be the Midfield native’s second stint at Ramsay, having served as the school’s head football coach from 2012 to 2020.  

During Nelson’s first stint at Ramsay he played a pivotal role in reviving the Rams football which had been dormant for the previous 36 years.  During Nelson’s nine seasons at the helm of the Birmingham City program he led the Rams to a combined 74-36 record highlighted by a Class 6A state championship in 2016.  His successful run on the Southside also included five seasons with north of 10 wins, three region titles and seven consecutive trips to the AHSAA postseason.  

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Earlier in his career he spent six seasons at the helm of his alma mater, Midfield High School.  From 2005 to 2010 he led the Patriots to a 40-28 record including five playoff berths and back-to-back region crowns in 2008 and 2009.    

According to the Alabama High School Football Historical Society, Nelson’s career head coaching record currently stands at 129-86 with a 17-11 mark in postseason play and a region record of 78-49 over 19 seasons. 

Featured Image: Nelson leads the Mounties during a preseason game against Stanhope Elmore.  (Brant Berry | PrepsNet)