Miles Holcomb Returns as Head Coach at Southside-Gadsden

GADSDEN, AL – Miles Holcomb is back as the head football coach at Southside High School, a position he previously held from 2021 to 2023 before leaving for Tuscaloosa County. The school announced his return on Tuesday, bringing him back to a program he led to consistent playoff appearances.

Holcomb replaces Ben Stewart, who guided Southside to a 6-5 record and a trip to the class 6A playoffs in his lone season at the helm of the Panthers program.  Stewart’s short stint as the Panthers head coach was highlighted by a midseason five game winning streak.  Following the season he was named Etowah County Coach of the Year.  

Holcomb’s return marks a homecoming to northeast Alabama.

“We are just excited to get back home,” Holcomb shared in a statement. “My son gets to go back and be with his friends. The opportunity to teach and coach kids, in a community that has had such a profound impact on my family and myself, is something that I’m incredibly excited about.”

Holcomb’s previous stint at Southside was notable, with the Panthers posting an 18-15 record and an 11-7 mark in region play . Each of his three seasons saw playoff berths, and in 2023, he led the Panthers to an 8-3 record and a share of the Class 5A, Region 6 title. That season also included a climb to No. 7 in the ASWA Class 5A ASWA.

His coaching career began at his alma mater, Crossville High School, where he served as head coach from 2016 to 2017. Holcomb led Crossville to its first playoff appearance since 2004, finishing with an 8-13 record during his tenure. Unfortunately, the Crossville football program has since ceased participating at the varsity level.

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

Following his time at Crossville, Holcomb joined the staff at powerhouse Hoover for two seasons before becoming the offensive coordinator at Georgia’s Alpharetta High School in 2020. He returned to head coaching in 2021 at Southside.

Holcomb’s most recent stop was a one year stint at Class 7A Tuscaloosa County, where he lead the Wildcats to a 1-9 record in 2024. 

His career head coaching record currently stands at 27-37 including a 16-23 mark in region play,  four playoff appearances and one region championship over six seasons.