Class 6A football program making a mid-season coaching change

Murphy has made a mid-season change at the top of its football program.

Head coach Justin Hannah has been relieved of his coaching duties after 15 games on the job.

"Murphy High School administration has decided to move in a different direction and relieve Justin Hannah of coaching duties. An interim will be named soon," Panthers athletic director Edwin Burke said in a statement.

Hannah was 2-13 in his second season on the job. He did not immediately answer a phone call from AL.com.

This year's team is 0-5 and has been outscored 165-42. The Panthers are coming off a 44-6 loss at Spanish Fort.

Hannah, a former star at West End High and Tuskegee, was hired in May of 2023 to replace current Vigor coach John McKenzie.

He spent the 2022 season as defensive coordinator at Jackson-Olin. He also has coached at Shades Valley and at Tuskegee.

At West End, Hannah played football, basketball and ran track. He was a 2006 All-State football selection and once tied a state record for interceptions in a single game. The defensive back finished his college career with 18 career interceptions and three touchdowns. He was a four-year starter for the Golden Tigers and a three-time All-American. He was inducted into the Tuskegee Hall of Fame in 2011.

After first pursuing a pro career with the Cleveland Browns and the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL, Hannah played six years in the Arena Football League before turning to coaching.