Alabama high school football coach, defensive coordinator placed on administrative leave

It was revealed on Tuesday that two Hoover High School (Ala.) football coaching staff members have been placed on administrative leave. Head coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms will be on leave pending an ongoing investigation.

Read update to this story here.

In a video obtained by WKRG of a recent Hoover football practice, head coach Drew Gilmer can be seen thrusting his hips towards a Bucs football player’s face while the player was lying on the ground. In a separate clip, defensive coordinator Adam Helms can be seen running towards a player during a drill, knocking him to the ground while forcefully removing his helmet.

Per release from Hoover City Schools:

… the decision to place the coaches on leave was “made to ensure a thorough and impartial review of recent developments.”

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are top priorities,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox said in the release. “We are taking this matter seriously and working diligently to resolve it promptly and fairly.”

The release also stated that “Parents, students and staff will be informed of any significant developments as the investigation progresses.”

Al.com reported Gilmer, who is new to Hoover but coached for eight seasons at Clay-Chalkville, did not respond to a question about the videos that prompted the probe. Per the report, the videos circulating displayed questionable behavior by some Hoover coaches.

Gilmer won the last three 6A titles at Clay-Chalkville. He had an 81-12 record with the Cougars. His 2023 team went 14-0 and defeated Saraland in the championship game.

“It was a difficult decision, mainly because of all the relationships we’ve built there over the years,” Gilmer said in January when he took the Hoover job “I’ve been at Clay-Chalkville for 14 years so that’s tough. But again, when it comes down to it, you have to do what’s best for your family and two, for your career. This is the place, this is the program, not only in the state of Alabama but I believe in the country.”