The Andalusia High School football team added a new, but familiar face to the coaching staff as the board of education approved the hire of former Straughn offensive coordinator Ray Wilson.

 

Wilson joins former Straughn head coach Trent Taylor on the revamped Andalusia coaching staff, and will be the Bulldogs’ new offensive coordinator. Both Taylor and Wilson are graduates of Andalusia High School.

 

A graduate of Troy University, Wilson spent several years at Opp High School before going to Straughn 11 years ago.

 

“It was a tough decision,” Wilson said. “But it was a chance for me to come back home. Coach Taylor and I have been talking since he took the job about the possibility of me coming over if there were any openings. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and praying about this. It wasn’t an easy decision. I’ve made lots of friends and a lot of memories during my time at Straughn.”

 

Wilson and Taylor have enjoyed a successful stint together at Straughn, and look to carry that success on at AHS. During Wilson’s stint at Straughn, he has helped the Tigers to an 83-46 overall record, and a 12-10 playoff record. The Tigers made the playoffs in 10 of the 11 years Wilson was there.

 

“I’m anxious to get started,” Wilson said. “Without having a spring game, we may be a little behind, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenges that lie ahead.”

 

Although not completely set on the exact offense he will run, Wilson said the option would be a big part of it.

 

“I’ve always ran an option-based offense,” Wilson said. “It is what I’ve had success with in the past, and it’s something I’m very confident with. We will get started the first of June, and I will get a chance to get a feel for the personnel. Then we will see what best fits us, and what we can have the most success with. The offense will revolve around the option. It could be from the gun, or it could be from under center.”