Sardis football coach Gene Hill steps down after 11 seasons at alma mater

For the first time in over a decade, a new face will patrol the sidelines at Sardis football games.

Following an 11-year stint as the coach at his alma mater, Gene Hill has decided to step down.

Hill informed his players and staff last Thursday. On Monday, the decision became official with the Etowah County School Board approving his resignation.

"I was expecting to be coaching another year," Hill said Wednesday. "My daughter is a junior. There was no pressure. This was all on me.

"I just thought it was time for a change for program and me and my family. Wanting to spend more time with the family was involved in the decision."

Hill posted a record of 51-64 record with the Lions and overall was 96-93. He coached seven years at Etowah, posting a 45-29 record from 2002-08.

When Hill took the job with the Lions they were playing in Class 3A. He helped navigate the school to two transitions, from 3A to 4A (2012) and then 4A to 5A (2018). His daughters also attended Sardis

In the last two seasons, Sardis has gone just 1-19.

"Two years ago, COVID hit us extremely hard,” Hill said. “We were very young, so not being in the weight room set us back. Now we’re catching up. I am looking for good things for the guys coming back. We’re a lot stronger. Someone will step into a good situation. I hope we left the program in a better place than when we were coming in."

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Hill did not close the door on returning to coaching in the future.

"I'm 57 and somebody said I'm getting a little older,” Hill said. “Coach (Nick) Saban is 70. I am sure he doesn't have to mow grass. It’s possible. Not this next year. I want to take a year off, clear my mind and find a direction.

“I appreciate all the guys who played for me and stuck with me for everything they put in the program for 35 years of coaching and coaches I have been with."

Hill, who said he will remain in the athletic director role, said he will not be involved in the head coaching search or hire. Principal Josh Wallace will be in charge of the hire.

Sardis is scheduled to open the season against Dar on Aug. 19.

Contact Ehsan Kassim at 256-300-5313 or ekassim@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim.