Chamber to recognize DuBose as ‘Opp’s Own’

Published 12:45 am Thursday, April 19, 2018

Opp native Mike DuBose is the former head coach of one of the college football’s most elite programs, but now serves as a part-time assistant at his high school alma mater.

The Opp Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize former the former University of Alabama head football coach with its “One of Opp’s Own,” award at its annual banquet in May.

DuBose, a native of Opp and alumnus of the University of Alabama, played football for the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant as starting defensive end and linebacker. A star SEC defender, he played in the Cotton, Sugar, and Orange Bowls. He played in three SEC championships and one national title.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in education and master of science in industrial arts, DuBose began a coaching career. He has been an assistant football coach at Fairhope High School; athletic director/head football coach at Prattville High School; defensive line coach at the University of Tennessee, defensive line coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; head football coach at Northview High School; athletic director and head football coach at Luverne High School; defensive coordinator and head coach at Millsaps College; defensive line coach at the University of Memphis; part-time assistant coach at Opp High School and as the defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach and head coach at the University of Alabama.

During his many years as coaching, he earned awards such as Alabama High School Coach of the Year, SEC Working Coach of the Year, SEC Coach of the Year and the Paul Bryant National Coach of the Year award.

He was also a finalist and two-time unanimous SCAC Coach of the Year.

He also established Mike DuBose Charities benefitting the American Cancer Society, the Alabama Kidney Foundation as well as other organizations dedicated to children’s care.

He’s also an active member of the Opp Rotary Club and serves as a board member of the Abundant Life Church.

DuBose is married to his high school sweetheart, the former Polly Martin. They have two children, Juli DuBose Keller (GW Keller) and Michael DuBose, Jr. The DuBoses also has two grandchildren, William and Andrew.

He will be recognized in the 2018 Hall of Fame and Membership Banquet on Thurs., May 10, at the Opp Depot starting at 6:30 p.m.