Hoover High School head football coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms have each been placed on administrative leave, Hoover City Schools confirmed on Tuesday.
“The decision to place these two athletic coaches, Mr. Gilmer and Mr. Helms, on administrative leave was made to ensure a thorough and impartial review of recent developments,” read a statement released by the school system. “Parents, students and staff will be informed of any significant developments as the investigation progresses.”
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities,” said Hoover City Schools superintendent Kevin Maddox. “We are taking this matter seriously and working diligently to resolve it promptly and fairly.”
Although no reason for the suspensions was explicitly given, the announcement comes shortly after multiple videos circulated on social media showing Hoover coaches ripping off players’ helmets at a practice.
This video is from a practice on the Hoover field. I am not saying any coach involved is one of the two coaches placed on leave. It is a quick video, you’ll see an adult/coach rip off a players helmet and throw it while another adult/coach does something odd to the players head.… pic.twitter.com/fRlAFLhFLR
— Ryan Brown (@RyanBrownLive) August 6, 2024
Now @FootballScoop has received multiple videos that show at best bizarre behavior on the practice field as national prep powerhouse Hoover, Alabama, investigates its head coach & DC: https://t.co/uCgS1y0Y6B pic.twitter.com/D2e98bdYTB
— John Brice (@JohnDBrice1) August 6, 2024
Gilmer and Helms were hired in January from Clay-Chalkville High School following the resignation of former head coach Wade Waldrop. In seven seasons leading the CCHS football program, Gilmer recorded 81 total wins and racked up 2 AHSAA 6A state championships.
Hoover is yet to release information on the length of the coaches’ suspensions.
Charles Vaughan is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News.
