Nick Gentry Resigns as Pell City Head Football Coach After Two Seasons

PELL CITY, AL — Nick Gentry has stepped down as head football coach at Pell City High School after two seasons, he announced Sunday in a letter to the Pell City community.

Gentry, a former Alabama Crimson Tide player and Prattville High standout, led the Panthers to consecutive playoff appearances during his tenure. The team finished 7-4 this season, marking its best record since 2012. Notable victories included wins over Mountain Brook, Pinson Valley, and Coosa Christian, the latter coached by former Pell City head coach Rush Propst.

In his letter, Gentry reflected on the progress made during his time with the program, citing a renewed sense of pride and energy within the team and community. However, he also noted that differences in vision contributed to his decision to resign.

“Building programs from the ground up isn’t just something I do; it’s who I am,” Gentry wrote. “While we achieved a great deal together, my vision was not always aligned with that of others.”

Gentry was promoted to head coach in 2024 after serving as the team’s defensive coordinator. Under his leadership, the Panthers improved their performance and revitalized community enthusiasm for the program.

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“Now, just two years later, we have a winning record, back-to-back playoff appearances, and a renewed sense of pride that this town hasn’t felt in years,” Gentry wrote. “While my time here is coming to an end, I’m excited for the next chapter—for the next program that needs someone to believe in them and for the chance to build something special once again.”

Gentry took over a Pell City program which was coming off back-to-back 1-9 seasons.  He led the Panthers to a 5-6 finish in 2024 and a 7-4 record in 2025, marking the 6A program’s first winning season since 2017.