E.A. Sports Today

Alred back at Ragland

Former defensive coordinator returns to Purple Devils to take his first head coaching job

By Al Muskewitz
East Alabama Sports Today

Brian Alred always thought one day he’d have a chance to be Ragland’s head football coach, he just didn’t think it would be this quick.

Some might say it’s a year late.

Alred was approved to become the Purple Devils’ head football coach and athletics director Thursday night. He succeeds Michael Hathorn, who was relieved after one 3-8 season.

Alred, 35, was former Ragland coach Jonathan Nix’ defensive coordinator for three seasons and was a candidate for the head coaching job when Nix left for Pleasant Valley. When the job went to Hathorn, the Glencoe grad returned to St. Clair County, where he had coached for four years, as defensive coordinator.

Now that he’s back with the Purple Devils he’s anxious to get started in his first head coaching job. He plans to meet with his players for the first time Tuesday.

“I thought maybe one day I’d have the opportunity, I didn’t think it would be this quick,” Alred said. “The Lord works it out the way he wants to.

“I am extremely glad to be back and I think the community is excited; I think the kids are excited to have me back. It was somewhere I didn’t want to leave. I felt extremely confortable here; my family liked it here. We’re very excited and honored to be back.”

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