Eric Firestone Named Gardendale Rockets Head Football Coach
GARDENDALE, AL – Gardendale defensive coordinator Eric Firestone has officially been elevated to head football coach of the Gardendale Rockets, becoming the 15th head coach in the program’s 59 year history.
Firestone has spent the past seven seasons as the Rockets’ defensive coordinator, where he played a pivotal role in the Rockets’ success. During his tenure, the program made six consecutive playoff appearances, advanced to the Class 6A quarterfinals twice, and secured a region title under the leadership of former head coach Chad Eads.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” Firestone told PrepsNet. “I’ve talked to a few assistant coaches, I’m not a new, young guy anymore and I’ve tried to become a head coach for a long time. Hopefully, this continues to motivate some of the guys who have been in it for a long time. If you keep working and do what you’re supposed to do you’ll get your shot”.
A Hokes Bluff native and University of North Texas graduate, Firestone’s coaching career began after a brief period as a youth minister. His passion for impacting young lives drew him to coaching. “I’ve been doing youth ministry in public education for 23 years. I realized I could have a greater impact on kids’ lives by being in the classroom and on the practice field every day,” Firestone shared. “Football has always been my ministry.”
Firestone’s coaching career began with a stint at Texas’ Sanger Middle School. After two seasons in Texas he returned to Alabama to join the coaching staff at Talladega High. Following a two year run with the Tigers he made the move to Tuscaloosa, serving as an assistant at Hillcrest High School for four seasons.
He accepted his first defensive coordinator position in 2011, joining head coach Will Wagnon’s staff at Munford. During four seasons he helped guide the Lions to three consecutive playoff appearances, a region crown and a berth in the Class 4A semifinals. He served as the defensive coordinator for three seasons at Hazel Green before joining Eads’ Gardendale staff in 2018.
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Firestone plans to retain some assistants from the current staff, aiming to maintain continuity while building a culture centered on character, discipline, and accountability. “We want people to see something different in our players—not just as athletes, but in the way they carry themselves,” Firestone said. “It’s about making them complete players, in every aspect.”
Firestone takes over for Chad Eads, who stepped down following the 2024 season. Eads departs as the third-winningest coach in Gardendale history, achieving a 50-33 record over seven seasons. His tenure included six postseason berths, two quarterfinal appearances, and a region championship. The Rockets concluded the 2024 season with a 5-5 overall record and a 3-3 mark in Class 6A, Region 5 play.
Gardendale is one of several Jefferson County programs preparing for new leadership this fall, joining Center Point, Fultondale, Shades Valley and Tarrant on the list of teams with fresh faces on the sidelines.
FEATURED IMAGE: Firestone leads the Gardendale defense in a 35-27 victory over Homewood in the second round of the 2021 postseason. (Brant Berry | PrepsNet)
