Chad Eads Named Hayden Head Football Coach

HAYDEN, AL – Chad Eads, the former Gardendale Rockets head coach, has officially been named the 30th head football coach of the Hayden Wildcats. The Blount County School Board approved the Birmingham native and Samford University letterman this week, marking a new chapter for a Hayden program seeking to rebound from consecutive 2-8 seasons.

A Winning Track Record at Gardendale

Eads brings a history of success to Hayden Football. Over seven seasons at Gardendale, Eads compiled a 50-33 overall record. He led the Class 6A Rockets to six postseason berths, including five consecutive appearances, two quarterfinal runs, a region championship, and a 27-15 record in region play. By the end of the 2025 season, Eads had established himself as the third all-time winningest head coach in Gardendale football history.

Before his tenure at Gardendale, Eads spent 11 years as Hoover’s offensive line coach, helping the Bucs secure six state championships. His resume stands as one of the most accomplished among active high school football coaches in Alabama.

New Leadership for Hayden Football

Eads takes over a Hayden program searching for stability. The Wildcats finished 2-8 in each of the past two seasons under Keith Register, who stepped down after 12 years and a 45-80 record. After Register’s retirement, former Decatur Heritage coach Nikita Stover briefly accepted the Hayden job before resigning to move closer to family and take over at Hatton High School.

Principal Allen Hargett’s search for a new leader led to Eads, following a recommendation from Gardendale assistant principal Darren James. Eads accepted the position in late May, telling AL.com, “I spent my whole life on a football team and I needed a new one.”

Building a New Era

Eads inherits a Hayden squad competing in Class 5A, Region 5, alongside traditional powers Ramsay and Briarwood Christian. 

Eads will reunite with Michael Blankenship, his former assistant at Gardendale, now coaching Hayden’s secondary. He plans to work closely with the Wildcats’ players and coaching staff to build relationships and lay a new foundation. Summer workouts are scheduled to begin June 9.

Looking Forward

With four consecutive losing seasons behind them, Hayden Football is poised for a new direction under Chad Eads. The Wildcats hope Eads’ championship pedigree and ability to inspire players will lead to renewed success in Region 5. In south Blount County, the arrival of Coach Eads signals a fresh start and growing optimism for the 2025 high school football season.

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