By By Tim Cottrell
A new sheriff is in town at Escambia County High School – again.
Kyle Davis, 25, arrived Sunday night and began work Monday at the school as the new head football coach and athletic director for the Blue Devils.
Davis arrives in Atmore from Geraldine High School in Geraldine, Ala., where he compiled an 11-9 record in his two years as head coach. He also served as an assistant coach at Prattville and Wetumpka High Schools.
Davis is the third head coach at ECHS in the last six months. Marty McDole resigned in December after a 3-7 season on the gridiron, and Ted Darby, McDole's replacement, resigned after less than two months on the job.
Davis said Monday that building a team concept would be at the top of his priorities.
"The first thing we need to do is get our pride back," Davis said. "We've had success here before; it's not far-fetched to think we can't do it again. After we establish some pride we need to coach these kids up. We have to earn their trust back and show them their coaches will be here."
Despite many perceived challenges, Davis said the ECHS job had been an attractive option for him.
"I applied the first time, and I applied for the defensive coordinator job under Darby," Davis said. "My mom's family is from Washington County and I've always enjoyed south Alabama. I'm a big hunter and a big fisherman and I enjoyed the years I spent in and around Montgomery.
"As far as football goes, I knew there was talent here," Davis continued. "It's just a matter of getting the right coaches. I felt I could be successful here."
Escambia County Superintendent Melvin "Buck" Powell said last Thursday that Davis would be a good fit for the program.
"He's a young man with not a lot of experience, but he's wise beyond his years," Powell said. "He's worked under some great coaches. We feel he's the right man for the job."
Davis agreed that his work under top-notch coaches had prepared him well to be a head coach himself.
"I've been around a lot of good coaches," he said. "I worked under Bill Clark of Prattville. When you think of the top programs in the state, you've got to put Prattville right up there. I also played under Larry Ginn at Alexandria, who is now a Hall of Fame coach. There have been a lot of people to help me get here, to where I am now."
Davis was aware of the trust problem the athletes at ECHS are currently going through, and said he understands it, but also said he would work as hard as possible to fix it.
"I relate well to the kids," Davis said. "They can see I'm a good person, a genuine person. I would love to stay here a long time. That's my plan. I would love to coach the kids of the kids that are playing right now one day. I'm excited about the opportunity. We'll be starting spring practice Monday."