By Jonathan Willis – Franklin County Times

Russellville city school officials have confirmed that Russellville head football coach Doug Goodwin has resigned and accepted the same position at Homewood High School.

Goodwin was hired to lead the Patriots’ program during a school board meeting in Homewood Tuesday night.

“He told me that it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up,” Russellville city schools superintendent Don Cox said.

“It is a lot closer to his family in Sylacauga and they have had some health issues recently so that was a big part of it, I think. Homewood is also in an affluent area and can pay more than we can.”

Goodwin was hired to replace Perry Swindall following the 2006 season, just two years after winning the Class 4A state championship at Demopolis. He previously coached at Marion County and Lineville, who he led to two state title game appearances.

His teams have had 10-win seasons eight of the last nine years, made the playoffs 18 straight seasons and have had winning seasons for 17 consecutive years.

His Russellville teams played in the state championship game in 2008 and 2009 and lost in the third round of the playoffs in 2010.

He takes over a Homewood program that has struggled since moving to 6A. The Patriots were a thorn in the side for the Golden Tigers while playing in 5A. Homewood beat Russellville in the 2002 and 2004 state championship games and in the semifinals in 2000 and 2001.

Cox, who will be retiring this spring, said he expects to receive several top-notch applications to fill the Golden Tigers’ coaching vacancy.

“I believe it’s one of the top 5A jobs in the state,” Cox said.

Cox said several of Goodwin’s assistants would be leaving for similar positions in Homewood as well.

“This will create several openings here and there will have to be some tough decisions made. We will be losing some good teachers who are very high character people and we will miss them too.”