By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala. — Head Coach Paul Benefield of Fyffe was recently named the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) All-State Coach of the Year for the second time. His first award was in 2007. In addition, Benefield was also named the al.com Coach of the Decade.

Benefield has led the Fyffe Red Devils to four Class 2A State Championships in the last six years. The Red Devils ended the decade with a 48 game regular-season winning streak. The Red Devils have won State Championships in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Their overall record for this decade was 128-9 with four 15-0 seasons. 

The Fyffe Red Devils recently finished in 12th place in the High School Football America Small Schools Top 25 list. 

“Being named coach of the decade is probably the most special award I have ever received,” said Benefield. “To me, it is an award for consistency with a lot of great kids with determination and toughness [and] a willingness to reach for excellence and the heart to do the work to be great.”

Benefield’s career spans over 37 years. In 2012, he celebrated his 200th win as a head coach, and in the fall of 2017, he celebrated his 250th win.

This week, Benefield received a call from Head Coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU (Louisiana State University) Tigers. Orgeron congratulated Benefield and his team for a job well done. Coach Benefield stated there was nothing like a call after Christmas break to get you and your team motivated.

Benefield is an alumnus of Fyffe High School and received a degree from Jacksonville State University. Benefield is married to his wife, Jodi, and the couple has three sons: Alex, Eli, and Seth. He has had the honor of coaching all three of his boys in football.

Due to reclassification, this fall, the Red Devils will begin their season in the Class 3A division.