Coach Michael Jackson leaves Red Bay football

Michael Jackson is ending his seven–year run as the Red Bay head football coach for the same position at St. John Paul II in Huntsville.

Jackson will leave the Tigers with one of his main goals achieved: winning.

“One of our major goals at Red Bay was to win with the best teams around,” said Jackson. “We were able to accomplish that goal. We had 63 wins. Muscle Shoals was next with 62 wins.”

In seven years at the helm of the Tiger football program, Jackson was 63-17, made the playoffs six out of seven years and won the region title in 2014, 2015 and 2019.

Red Bay was 9-2 this year.

“It has been a great seven years,” said Jackson. “We made a lot of great memories and met some unbelievably great people.”

Jackson said Class 4A St. John Paul II is “the right opportunity at the right time.”

“We lived in Huntsville when I coached there before. We look forward to the challenge,” Jackson added.

Franklin County Superintendent of Education Greg Hamilton praised Jackson’s work on the field and in the classroom.

“I want to thank Coach Jackson for his dedication and commitment to the Red Bay High School football program,” said Hamilton. “His work ethic in the classroom and with the football program was impeccable. His record speaks for itself.

“Most importantly, his love for his players exemplified what a class act he was. I hate to see him go.”

Jackson is a graduate of Russellville High School. Prior to his stint at Red Bay, Jackson served as the head football coach at Russellville and Buckhorn.