Patrick Nix Steps Down as Central-Phenix City Head Football Coach

PHENIX CITY, AL – Patrick Nix, the architect of one of the most successful periods in Central-Phenix City High School football history, has resigned from his position as head coach. Phenix City Schools announced Thursday that Nix is stepping down after six seasons to pursue opportunities in ministry.

During his tenure, Nix transformed the Red Devils into a perennial powerhouse in Alabama’s highest classification. His leadership produced a remarkable 65-14 record, highlighted by a Class 7A state championship in 2023. The program also secured four region titles, made three state championship appearances, and reached the state semifinals in each of his six seasons.

A Legacy of Excellence at Central

Nix arrived at Central in 2020, taking over a program with high expectations and elevating it further. His first team in 2020 finished with an 8-5 record but set the tone by advancing to the 7A semifinals. From there, the Red Devils posted double-digit wins in every subsequent season under his guidance.

The peak of his tenure came during the 2023 season, when Central defeated four-time defending champion Thompson High School to claim the AHSAA Class 7A state title. His final season in 2025 concluded with an 11-2 record, ending in a narrow 35-34 semifinal loss to Thompson.

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Central High School Principal Chris Lindsey praised the coach’s influence beyond the football field. “Coach Nix has left a lasting impression on Central High School,” Lindsey said in a news release. “The culture and values that he brought to our school were invaluable. Those same cultures and values far outweigh the wins and championships that were won on the field.”

A Storied Coaching Career

Before his arrival in Phenix City, Nix established a reputation as a winner at multiple stops in his high school coaching career. He coached Pinson Valley High School to two Class 6A state championships in three years, with his son, Bo Nix, as his quarterback. He also served as the head coach at Scottsboro High School for four years.

Across 13 seasons as a high school head coach in Alabama, Nix compiled an impressive overall record of 131-36. Notably, every team he coached qualified for the state playoffs.

His coaching journey also includes extensive experience at the collegiate level. Nix served as an offensive coordinator for Georgia Tech, Miami, and Charleston Southern. His coaching career began at Jacksonville State University, where he coached running backs and quarterbacks from 1996 to 1998. He also had stints as a wide receivers coach at Samford University and as head coach at Henderson State University from 1999 to 2000.

While at Georgia Tech from 2002 to 2006, he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, mentoring players like future NFL star Calvin Johnson.

From Auburn Quarterback to Coaching Icon

A native of Attalla, Alabama, Patrick Nix first made his name as a standout quarterback. After a successful career at Etowah High School, he played for Auburn University from 1992 to 1995.

One of his most memorable moments as a player came in 1993, when he stepped in for an injured Stan White during the Iron Bowl. His performance helped secure a victory over Alabama and capped a perfect 11-0 season for the Tigers under coach Terry Bowden. By the time he graduated, Nix had established himself as Auburn’s career leader in passing efficiency and remains in the top tier of many of the school’s passing records.

He is the son of Conrad Nix, a legendary retired high school football coach with nearly 300 wins. The football legacy continues with his own children. His oldest son, Bo Nix, was the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. His youngest son, Caleb, plays safety, and his adopted son, Tez Johnson, is a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

As Nix transitions to a new chapter focused on ministry, his impact on the Central-Phenix City football program and the broader Alabama high school football landscape remains undeniable.

FEATURED IMAGE | Nix following the Red Devils 21-19 win over Thompson in the 2023 Class 7A state title game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.  (Brant Berry | PrepsNet)