Bill Clark

Many coaches have transformed struggling football programs into winners over time. However, what Bill Clark achieved in his career stands out as extraordinary. He revitalized one of Alabama's most celebrated high school programs during its darkest days and brought a college program back to life—literally.

Bill Clark was a standout 180-pound All-State lineman for the Piedmont Bulldogs in 1985. While attending Jacksonville State, he gained coaching experience under his father, Ragan Clark, at Ashville High School. After graduating, he returned to Piedmont as defensive coordinator, where his passion for defense began to define his coaching style. Clark quickly climbed the coaching ranks throughout the 1990s, spending time at Tuscaloosa County and then in Georgia before returning to Alabama at Dothan High. His 1998 defense allowed just nine points per game, solidifying his reputation as a defensive mastermind.

In 1999, Clark joined Hoover High to lead its defense, but later that summer, he was hired as Prattville High School's head coach at just 32 years old. The Prattville program faced significant challenges: low morale, minimal community support, and only 30 players at spring practice. During his introductory press conference, Clark remained optimistic, stating, “We are going to need a little patience, but we have great expectations for this season and for years to come.”

Clark quickly transformed Prattville’s program. He doubled the roster size, revamped the culture, and instilled a tireless work ethic. His strategies included separate offensive and defensive players, versatile offensive sets, and a stronger focus on the passing game. Wins came rapidly, increasing from seven in his first year to nine the following season. By 2001, Prattville was a force in 6A football, finishing the regular season undefeated before falling in the quarterfinals.

The next two seasons saw continued success, though each ended in playoff heartbreak. The 2003 team was dominant defensively, allowing just 3.8 points per game with seven shutouts, but injuries and turnovers ended their title hopes. In 2004, Prattville finally reached the 6A title game but lost to Hoover, a team with a wealth of championship experience.

The 2005 season seemed like Prattville’s year. Ranked #1, they entered the quarterfinals undefeated but fell to Opelika after a late-game fumble. Determined, Clark led the Lions back in 2006. Once again undefeated, they beat Opelika in the semifinals and faced Hoover in the title game. This time, Prattville triumphed, winning 35–21. Clark celebrated the victory as a culmination of years of hard work and community support, with an estimated 25,000 fans cheering them on. He was named 6A Coach of the Year.

What was there left for Bill Clark to do? Win another championship, which he did In 2007. Prattville proved their dominance again, going 15-0 and securing another 6A title with a 14-0 win over Spain Park. They were ranked #2 nationally by USA Today. By the end of Clark’s tenure, he had built an unmatched legacy: four state championship game appearances, two state titles, a 30-game win streak, a 55-game regular season win streak, and a record of 106-11. Remarkably, Clark never lost a regular season home game while at Prattville.

In 2008, Bill Clark moved to the University of South Alabama as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. South Alabama, which launched its football program that year, steadily progressed toward Division I competition. In 2013, Clark became the head coach at Jacksonville State, where he led the Gamecocks to a record-breaking season, two FCS playoff wins, and a #10 national ranking.

After one season at Jacksonville State, Clark accepted the head coaching position at UAB. His first season in 2014 showed promise, but UAB abruptly discontinued its football program for financial reasons. The program’s cancellation sparked outrage, and by December 2015, UAB announced plans to reinstate football for the 2017 season. Clark was signed to a five-year extension and tasked with rebuilding from scratch.

With a barebones staff and a patchwork roster of high school recruits and junior college transfers, Clark performed a miracle. In 2017, UAB went 8-5 and earned a spot in the Bahamas Bowl. Over the next three seasons, the Blazers won three consecutive Conference USA West Division titles, including championships in 2018 and 2020. Clark was named the 2018 Eddie Robinson Award winner, recognizing him as the NCAA Coach of the Year. His tenure at UAB culminated in a victory over nationally ranked BYU in the 2021 Independence Bowl and the grand opening of Birmingham's Protective Stadium.

Clark retired after the 2021 season due to back problems, leaving behind a reputation as one of college football’s most respected coaches. Since then, he has remained active in the sport, contributing to Birmingham radio broadcasts and Jacksonville State’s radio coverage.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Clark’s influence extended as one of the founding members of the Alabama Football Coaches Association in 2004. Today, the association honors him as one of the state’s all-time greatest football coaches.

The Alabama Football Coaches Association is proud to bestow its Lifetime Achievement Award upon Coach Bill Clark.