Special to the Reporter
ALBERTVILLE – Adam Winegarden has been named the new head coach of the Albertville Aggies football program.
Coach Winegarden brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Most recently, he served as director of leadership and high school relations for Troy University’s football program. His overall high school coaching record stands at 131-55 (.704).
Winegarden emerged as a strong fit for the position following a series of in-depth conversations with district officials, school administrators and city leaders. From the beginning, he expressed a clear interest in coming to Albertville.
He and his family made multiple visits to the community to engage in meaningful discussions about the district’s vision for football and the role it plays in shaping student-athletes. Coach Winegarden outlined his coaching philosophy, offensive and defensive schemes and a leadership approach focused on developing players from grades 7-12.
“First and foremost, Coach Winegarden is a fantastic person and a man of character,” said Albertville High School Principal Steven Hudgins. “He’ll be a tremendous influence on our program and a great presence for our students. Every interaction with him is positive, and he’s deeply focused on developing the whole player. He is committed to helping student-athletes become the best version of themselves. That’s what excites me most about his leadership.”
Hudgins also noted that Winegarden’s coaching scheme is a strong fit for Albertville’s athletes and will position the program for long-term success. “He has a clear vision not just for the high school, but for our entire program from grades 7 through 12 and even into K-6, where he’s already thinking about how to build future Aggies,” Hudgins added. “He’s a coach who understands the value of community, and he’ll bring a new level of excitement to Friday nights. He wants football at AHS to be something that brings the whole community together...from the team to the band, the cheerleaders, and the fans.”
Prior to Troy University, Winegarden spent three seasons as head coach of Tuscaloosa County High School. He inherited a program that had won just 12 games in six seasons. He led the Wildcats to 11 wins in his final two years as head coach, including a 6-4 record in 2022 – Tuscaloosa County’s first winning season in nine years.
During his tenure as head coach at Auburn High School, Winegarden led the Tigers to a 56-19 record over six seasons, including appearances in the playoffs every season and in 2020 the 7A Alabama State Championship when the team went 12-2 on this season.
He spent three seasons as the head coach of Fairhope High School and led the Pirates to a 28-8 record, including a perfect 10-0 regular season in 2014 in the school’s first season at the 7A level. Coach Winegarden began his coaching career in Alabama with a two-year run at Hlilcrest High School, where he went 21-3, earned a pair of region titles and an Alabama 6A quarterfinals appearance.
Winegarden began his coaching career in Georgia at Dalton High School. He spent 10 years at the school where he started as the quarterbacks and receivers’ coach before being promoted to the offensive coordinator for five seasons and the head coach for two seasons.
More than 70 of Winegarden’s players have gone on to play at the collegiate level and 34 players have earned All-State honors. His teams have earned five region titles.
Known for his attention to detail, disciplined approach and focus on developing young athletes both on and off the field, Winegarden has earned a reputation as one of Alabama’s most respected football minds.
Winegarden, a native of Memphis, Tenn., played quarterback at the University of Chattanooga. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exceptional learning and a master’s degree in education from Tusculum University.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to academics, character-building and competitive excellence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Winegarden,” said Albertville Superintendent Dr. Bart Reeves. “He brings an exceptional vision for our program’s future, a deep understanding of the game and a passion for mentoring student-athletes. We are confident he will lead our team to great success.”
Coach Winegarden will begin his new role immediately and will be introduced to the community during a meet and greet on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 6 p.m.
A meeting with players’ families will take place immediately following the meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. Both events will take place at the Albertville Fine Arts Center.
