Shane McComb Out as Oak Mountain Head Football Coach

Oak Mountain High School Begins Search for Seventh Head Football Coach 

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Oak Mountain has officially parted ways with head football coach Shane McComb after three seasons, marking the end of a challenging chapter for the Eagles. The decision, confirmed by Athletic Director Chris Blight and Principal Andrew Gunn, was attributed to “internal factors” regarding the program’s future.

A Look Back at McComb’s Tenure

McComb’s time at Oak Mountain saw incremental progress on the field. After a tough 1-9 debut season in 2023, the Eagles improved to 4-6 in both 2024 and 2025. Despite these strides, the team struggled in the highly competitive Class 7A, Region 3, which features powerhouse programs like Thompson, Hoover, and Hewitt-Trussville. Over the past two seasons, Oak Mountain posted a 1-6 record in regional play.

Offensively, the Eagles showed flashes of potential, particularly in 2024 under All-County quarterback Will O’Dell. However, the team faced challenges in 2025 with sophomore quarterback Charlie Vacarella at the helm. While the offense regressed slightly, averaging 18.4 points per game compared to 23.6 the previous year, the defense made notable improvements, reducing points allowed per game from 35.7 to 25.7.

McComb’s Coaching Legacy

Before making the move to North Shelby County, McComb enjoyed significant success at Palm Desert High School in California. Over seven seasons, he led his Golden State squad to six consecutive district championships and an impressive 33-2 conference record in his final six years. His coaching journey also included stops in Illinois and New Mexico.

Despite his track record, McComb’s tenure at Oak Mountain fell short of expectations. The Eagles have historically struggled to maintain consistent success, with only seven winning seasons and seven playoff appearances in the program’s 27-year history. The last playoff run came in 2021 under former coach Tyler Crane.

The Search for a New Leader

Oak Mountain is now embarking on its second coaching search in less than a decade. The school aims to find a leader who can navigate the challenges of competing in Alabama’s toughest football region while fostering a culture of growth and success.

The new coach will inherit a program with potential but also significant hurdles. McComb was the Eagles’ seventh head coach in program history, only current Leeds head coach Jerry Hood who led Oak Mountain to a 28-26 record from 2004 to 2008, departed the program with a winning record.  With a history of facing top-tier opponents and a passionate community eager for success, the next chapter for Oak Mountain football promises to be one of both challenges and opportunities.