Floyd Stepping Down At Shiloh Christian

 FILE PHOTO Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Josh Floyd resigned as Shiloh Christian head football coach on Thursday.
FILE PHOTO Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Josh Floyd resigned as Shiloh Christian head football coach on Thursday.

SPRINGDALE -- Josh Floyd has never been one to back away from a challenge.

As an undersized quarterback at Shiloh Christian school, he flourished under former Saints coach Gus Malzahn as a record-setting passer.

The Floyd File

Shiloh Christian football coach Josh Floyd compiled a 99-29-1 record in 10 seasons as the Saints head coach, including 4 state championships and a state runner-up.

2004^9-4

2005^9-4

2006^14-0*

2007^12-2**

2008^13-1***

2009^13-1***

2010^14-1***

2011^5-6

2012^4-6****

2-13^6-4-1****

  • — Class 3A state champion

** — Class 3A state runner-up

*** — Class 4A state champion

**** — 5A-West Conference member

Source: Almanac of Arkansas High School Football

As a 23-year-old head coach at his alma matter, he led the program to national prominence over a 10-year span that produced 99 wins and four state championships. The Saints climbed as high as No. 24 in the USA Today national rankings in 2010.

On Thursday, Floyd announced he was leaving Shiloh Christian to accept the head football coaching position at Class 7A Hewitt-Trussville High School near Birmingham, Ala. He is expected to be formally approved by the Hewitt-Trussville school board on Monday.

"This process has just been over the past few days," Floyd said. "They offered the job a few days ago, and I accepted it yesterday. It's been quick.

"I just kind of blew it off at first. I wasn't looking to leave here. I think we're going to be pretty good this year and we are right in the middle of spring ball."

Before accepting the job in Alabama, Floyd said he consulted with Malzahn, now the coach at Auburn.

"I wouldn't have taken the job otherwise, to be honest," Floyd said.

The Saints will wrap up spring football today with a final scrimmage. He said he will start his new job in Alabama on June 9.

Floyd, 34, said his family will get its first look at the Trussville area on Monday.

"My wife has not been out there," he said. "We've been to Birmingham several times. She knows the area and feels really good about it."

Hewitt-Trussville was 5-6 last fall under former coach Hal Riddle, who resigned in April.

Floyd, who was also the athletic director at Shiloh Christian, will only coach football at Hewitt, although he will also teach physical education, he said in a story on al.com.

Floyd said there has not been any decision on whether any of his current coaches will join him in Alabama.

"I'm not sure about that right now," he said. "I'll have to hire a staff, but either way something will have to happen fast, because we're playing from behind right now. I obviously have a trust level with my staff, but some of those guys may try to get this job."

In a news release issued by the school Thursday, the plan to find Floyd's replacement is under way.

"The Administration of Shiloh Christian will immediately undertake a diligent and aggressive search for the next coach who can continue the legacy and tradition of Shiloh Christian football and help develop the next generation of Godly leaders," the release read.

Floyd said he anticipates having his Huskies coaching staff hired quickly after he takes over June 9.

He also added that his leaving will not impact the upcoming Southwest Elite 7-on-7 tournament in early July at Shiloh Christian.

"We'll still have it and I'll still be involved a little bit," he said. "We're too far into it and have too much invested in it to cancel it."

He was unsure how much involvement he will have to hiring his replacement at Shiloh Christian, but added the program he played and coached in will always be special.

"I'm not just an employee here, I'm an alum. I'll always be a Shiloh Saint," he said. "I want this place to keep winning and that will never change."

Sports on 05/30/2014

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