Jeffreys named new head football coach at Red Bay
RED BAY — Tyler Jeffreys has been named the new head coach at Red Bay High School.
Jeffreys is stepping in to replace Heath Childers, who recently resigned. The move marks a significant homecoming for Jeffreys, a native of Red Bay, who brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience back to his roots.
Jeffreys’journeyinfootball is deeply ingrained in north Alabama. As a standout quarterback and linebacker at Colbert County High School, he left an indelible mark, holding school records for passing touchdowns, career yards and season yards. His impressive high school career led him to the University of North Alabama (UNA), where he continued to play until 2018.
His coaching career began in 2020 at his alma mater, Colbert County High School, where he coached quarterbacks. He then transitioned to Colbert Heights in 2022, serving as defensive coordinator before ascending to the head coaching position in 2023.
For Jeffreys, the decision to return to Red Bay was a deeply personal one.
“I wanted to return home,” Jeffreys said. “It’s always been my goal to get back to Red Bay. I spent 15 years of my life here, and it’s a home for me and my family. I wanted my kids to grow up just like I did around the sports, the school, and the community. I also take great pride in Red Bay and want to see it succeed in everything.”
Reflecting on his time at Colbert Heights, Jeffreys expressed gratitude and insight.
“Colbert Heights is a great place,” Jeffreys said. “There are great people there who wanted to see us succeed, and the kids did everything we asked of them while I was there. The thing I’ve learned the most is to constantly critique myself and our program. I want to try to find ways to motivate our kids and find better ways to help us succeed.”
Jeffreys’ coaching philosophy emphasizes comprehensive player development and character building.
“I believe as far as building our program is concerned, it is important to continue to develop all players at all grade levels, to constantly motivate and improve our skills in every aspect of the game, along with constantly building our physical and mental toughness in the weight room,” he said. “Overall, I want to prepare our players to be good husbands and fathers one day, too, and have pride in doing the little things right and have pride in being at Red Bay High School.”
His immediate goals for the Tigers are clear and process-oriented: “Just be all-in every day and not worry about the outcome and more about the process and that will take care of it all.”
The move also holds special significance for Jeffreys as he follows in the footsteps of his father, Dale Jeffreys, who coached at Red Bay for 15 years.
“It means a lot being back where my dad coached for 15 years,” Jeffreys said. “He’s one of the biggest reasons I got into coaching and where I found my love for the game. I’ve learned a lot from playing for him and coaching advice that he has given me over the years.
“Overall, the biggest thing he’s taught me and others at Red Bay and Colbert County is that football is a lot like life. It can be unfair sometimes, but you still have to show up every day and give it your all.”
For the FCT
