Chris Chambless is already back in the game.
The former West Point football coach has been hired to lead the program at Gordo (Ala.), AL.com reported Friday.
Chambless won seven state championships during his 18-year tenure at West Point. He retired last year after the Green Wave won the Class 5A title. He was approved by the Pickens County Board of Education on Thursday.
Oddly enough, Gordo is also nicknamed the Green Wave.
“It seemed like a really good fit for me, and I’m lucky and honored they’re giving me this opportunity,” Chambless said. “My heart’s full here in West Point. I’ve got many great relationships and friends, and just felt it was time for me to go across state lines and see what we could do.”
Chambless was an assistant coach at West Point before taking the top job in 2006, after Dennis Allen retired. Chambless had a record of 206-45 and led the Green Wave to the state title game in each of his last eight seasons. He was named Daily Journal Coach of the year twice (2018 and 2023). Longtime assistant Brett Morgan took his place this year and led West Point to yet another title.
Chambless replaces Gus Smith, who led Gordo to a 10-2 record and the second round of the Class 3A playoffs this season. Gordo is located about an hour’s drive southeast of West Point.
“I know there’s a lot of tradition there, a lot of community pressure,” Chambless said. “That’s what I feel like teams and coaches thrive on is community pressure and them wanting you to win. They’ve got great community support there. I’m very pleased with what I’ve seen so far and the support already given to me. I’m excited to get over there and get started in January.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
