Jake Ganus Named Pell City’s 38th Head Football Coach

PELL CITY, AL — Jake Ganus, a rising star in Alabama high school football, has been officially named the head football coach of the Pell City Panthers. The announcement, made during a school board meeting Tuesday night, marks a new chapter for the Panthers as they aim to build on recent successes and establish a lasting legacy.

Ganus, 29, arrives at Pell City after a remarkable four-year tenure at Moody High School, where he transformed the Blue Devils into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, Moody achieved a 44-10 record, including a stellar 13-2 season in 2025 that culminated in the school’s first-ever Class 5A state championship. His teams consistently excelled, reaching the playoffs each year and producing 27 college signees over three seasons.

“This opportunity was too good to pass up,” Ganus said. “Pell City has the resources, leadership, and community support to become something truly special. I’m excited to get to work and help this program reach its full potential.”

Ganus replaces Nick Gentry, who stepped down after leading the Panthers to back-to-back playoff appearances. Despite recent progress, Pell City has not won a postseason game since 2012. Ganus is determined to change that narrative.

“What I’ve learned is that success starts with alignment—between the school board, the city, and the program,” Ganus said. “With everyone on the same page, Pell City can achieve sustained success.”

A former linebacker at the University of Georgia and UAB, Ganus brings a player-first philosophy to coaching. His ability to connect with athletes and foster a winning culture has been a hallmark of his career. At Moody, he not only delivered victories but also cultivated a sense of pride and community that resonated far beyond the field.

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Before taking over at Moody in 2022, Ganus served as an assistant at powerhouse Thompson High School where he helped lead the Warriors to three consecutive state titles.  

Ganus will be joined by four assistant coaches from his Moody staff, with plans to expand the coaching roster in the coming months. His first official day on the job is Wednesday, with a team meeting and a parent introduction scheduled for later this week.

The Panthers, who compete in Class 6A, Region 6, face a challenging slate of opponents, including reigning state champion Clay-Chalkville and perennial contenders Mountain Brook and Pinson Valley. Ganus, however, is undeterred.

“Challenges are opportunities,” he said. “We’re going to embrace the grind and build something that this community can be proud of.”

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