After 26-years at the top of the UMS-Wright’s football program, Terry Curtis is retiring. The announcement puts an end to a head coaching career that began at Shaw in 1989. He retires with eight Alabama high school football state championships and an overall record of 361-105.
Coach Curtis retires second on Alabama’s all-time coaching victories list. He had moved to the top of the list, surpassing Vestavia Hills head coach Buddy Anderson in 2022. However, he fell to No. 2 after Central Clay County’s Danny Horn passed him last year.
Below is a statement from Coach Curtis on the school’s website:
After twenty-six years as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at UMS- Wright, I have decided to retire at the end of this school year. I look forward to beginning a new chapter at UMS-Wright.
Throughout my time at UMS-Wright, we have upheld a tradition of excellence that has defined this school for over 130 years. What I am most proud of is the consistency within our program. During my tenure, we have averaged eleven wins per season, advancing to the third round of the playoffs in twenty-three of those twenty-six years. During my thirty-six years as a head coach, our teams have averaged ten wins per season.
My passion for football began in eighth grade, thanks to my coach, Ed Baker. That was when I knew I wanted to coach. As a freshman at Auburn, I told my advisor that coaching was my calling, and shortly after graduating, I began my career at B.C. Rain. Since then, I have dedicated my life to shaping young men through the game of football. I spent twenty-six years in the Mobile County Public School system at B.C. Rain, Shaw, and Murphy, and another twenty-six years in private school at UMS-Wright.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my wife, Jeanie, and my sons, Brey and Casey. They have stood by me every step of the way, allowing me to pursue my passion. Now, it is time to put my family first.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Tony Havard for giving me this opportunity 26 years ago, Dr. Doug Barber for allowing me to continue doing what I love, and the UMS-Wright Board of Trustees and past Board Chairmen for their steadfast support of our athletic programs. To the parents-thank you for your support and for the lifelong relationships we have built within this school community.
Though I am retiring from coaching, I plan to remain at UMS-Wright in an advisory role, which will also allow me to complete my term as President of the AHSAA Central Board of Control.
For twenty-six years, our program has been guided by the mission of UMS- Wright. We have always strived to instill honor in the way our students play the game and, more importantly, to teach them lessons that extend far beyond football. The success of this program is a testament to the incredible support we have received and the relationships we have built with students, parents, and coaches. Those connections have been the foundation of a program that has remained strong and consistent.
It has been an incredible journey, and I am forever grateful.
