Higgins hired as RHS football coach

RUSSELLVILLE — Darrell Higgins has been hired as the new head football coach at Russellville High School.

His hiring was announced Saturday following a special called meeting of the city schools board.

Higgins will also serve as athletic director for Russellville City Schools.

Earlier this month, Goodwin resigned as head football coach at RHS and athletic director for Russellville City Schools. The board of education accepted his resignation on Jan. 13.

Goodwin has taken the head football coaching position at Demopolis High School.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Guinn said Higgins’ leadership, character and work ethic made him a strong fit to lead Russellville’s football program and athletic department.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Higgins and his family to Russellville and proud to have him here to lead our Golden Tigers,” Guinn said.

“Obviously his record and accomplishments speak for themselves, but his reputation and character precede the accolades,” he added.

Guinn said the hire reflects the district’s longterm vision for leadership and stability within the program.

“I believe he is the perfect person to lead our students and build on the proud tradition we have here at Russellville,” Guinn said.

Higgins comes to Russellville after a 10-season tenure at Mars Hill Bible School, where he led the program to multiple state championships and region titles.

Under his leadership, Mars Hill won four state championships in 2018 (1A), 2020 (2A), 2024 (3A) and 2025 (3A), and captured seven region titles.

Following Higgins’ departure, Mars Hill Bible School appointed Assistant Athletic Director Mollie Lowry as athletic director and named defensive coordinator Will Kilpatrick interim head football coach.

The school announced plans to conduct a national search for its next head football coach.

Higgins grew up in Florence and attended Coffee High School. He said sports were a constant part of his childhood.

“In my neighborhood growing up, we just played sports every day,” Higgins said. “Whether it was football season or basketball season, we just played sports year-round. I’ve always loved sports.”

He said the daily exposure to athletics shaped both his love for competition and his long-term commitment to coaching.

Higgins played defensive back in high school and college. He said his passion for athletics developed early.