Nelson Makes It Official

By: WRBL Staff | WRBL
Published: November 19, 2009

Phenix City, AL - After 30 years as a head coach at Central High School, the last 12 as head football coach, Ron Nelson told his staff today that he is stepping down. Nelson made the decision over the summer but had some second thoughts during the football season, but after reflecting on it over the weekend, he said the Central program is in the right spot for him to step down.

"I'm going to retire," Nelson said. "I announced it last year, but I did not want this season to be about me. My swan song, this is about Central High School and these seniors that I deeply love. It comes a point in time when you have to move on."

Central went 10-2 this year, losing to Auburn and Prattville, the top two ranked teams in the state. Nelson took over in 1998 for legendary coach Wayne Trawick. In 12 seasons, Nelson went 92-42 with two region championships. He said this decision was his.

"This is the only place I have ever coached. Football for the last 12, before that baseball for 24 years, I really feel like it is time for a change," Nelson said. "I love Phenix City, this is where my kids grew up, this is our home."

Nelson will stay on at the school and teach and work in some administrative fashion for the next year, but says he wants to take this year off and evaluate his future in coaching at that time. Although he has one thing in mind. "I told my wife I am not going to quit coaching, I might coach my grandsons pop warner youth football team, I'll do something."

Some possible names have surfaced early in the search. Charles Flowers coached Shaw to the 2002 state championship, and is the head coach at Daugherty. "I have not been contacted by Central," Flowers said. "I am very happy here and think we have a good thing going."

Rush Propst was the head coach at Hoover, leading them to five state championships in nine years. He is currently the head coach at Colquitt County. His wife said the Central job is a new one that she had not heard, but it seems every week he is up for another job.

Woodrow Lowe played at Central before going on to a stellar career at Alabama and in the NFL. He was let go two years ago at Smiths Station and in a conversation with him over the summer Lowe said, "You always want to come back to a place you know, but at this point it is Ron's job and will be until he decides to retire."

"I'm sure I might have some input, but I won't have any choice in selecting the next coach," Nelson said. "I hope they look at everyone (current Nelson staff members and other head coaches) and give everyone a fair chance."

Central principal Jan Funderburke said he would like to get a new coach at Central as quickly as possible.