UMS-Wright Football Coach Terry Curtis Retires After Legendary Career
MOBILE, AL – UMS-Wright head football coach Terry Curtis announced his retirement on Tuesday after an extraordinary coaching career spanning decades. Curtis leaves behind a legacy of eight state championships and 361 career wins.
Although retired from the sidelines, Curtis plans to stay actively involved with UMS-Wright as an advisor through the remainder of the school year. He will also continue serving as the president of the Central Board of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA). The search for his successor is now underway, led by UMS-Wright’s head of school, Doug Barber.
“Terry Curtis has left an unparalleled mark on UMS-Wright,” Barber remarked on Tuesday. “He stands among the most influential figures in our school’s storied history. His legacy isn’t just in the trophies but in his impact on countless lives—not just at UMS-Wright but across the state and the nation.”
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The veteran coach became Alabama’s all-time winningest high school football coach in 2022, a title he held until Central Clay County’s Danny Horn surpassed him last season. Curtis remains second on the state’s all-time wins list.
Over Three Decades of Coaching Excellence
Curtis spent his entire coaching career in Mobile, after graduating from Auburn University he returned to the Gulf Coast accepting his first assistant coaching position at B.C. Rain before returning to his alma mater, Murphy High, where he served as an assistant for nine seasons. He accepted his first head coaching position in 1989 at Shaw High School where he led a turnaround of the Eagles football program, culminating in a 31-15 record including a pair of playoff appearances and a region championship over four seasons. In 1993 he made the move back to Murphy, guiding the Panthers to a 46-21 mark highlighted by five playoff berths, a pair of region crowns and a trip to the Class 6A semifinals during his six year stint at his alma mater.
Curtis became UMS-Wright’s 31st head football coach prior to the 1999 season.
During his 26 years with the Bulldogs, Curtis achieved extraordinary success:
- 8 State Championships: 2001, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019
- 23 Playoff Quarterfinals Appearances: Reached at least the quarterfinals in 23 of his 26 seasons.
- Playoff Consistency: UMS-Wright never missed the playoffs under his tenure.
- Impressive Record: Curtis guided the Bulldogs to 284 wins against just 69 losses.
His achievements gained national recognition as well. Curtis was inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2004. During the 2018-19 season, he was named National Coach of the Year by the National Federation of High School Coaches.
UMS-Wright Forms Committee to Find Curtis’ Successor
UMS-Wright has initiated the process to hire its next head football coach. The search will be spearheaded by Head of School Doug Barber and a selection committee.
The Bulldogs’ program remains a premier institution in Alabama high school football, ensuring whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill.
Stay tuned to updates from UMS-Wright as the Bulldogs prepare for a new era in their football history.
FEATURED IMAGE: Curtis following the Bulldogs 52-0 victory over the Deshler Tigers in the 2018 Class 4A title game at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. (Brant Berry | PrepsNet)
