Tuscaloosa County dismisses Cris Bell after 0–5 start
Matthew Carden will serve as interim coach while the Alabama school searches for a permanent replacement.
Tuscaloosa County High School has parted ways with football coach Cris Bell after a 62–7 loss to Thompson left the team 0–5 in the 2026 season.
The decision, reported by the Tuscaloosa News, followed a defeat in which the Wildcats were outscored 279–14 across their first five games. Defensive assistant Matthew Carden has been appointed interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Principal Darrell Williams said in a release to parents that the school would begin identifying a permanent head coach. The search will focus on leadership, player development and relationships with parents, staff and the wider school community.
Bell was in his second season at Tuscaloosa County and had a reported 1–14 record. The Wildcats have not reached the post-season since 2014 or recorded a winning season since 2022.
The programme has won two games across the past three seasons since Adam Winegarden’s departure after the 2023 season. Tuscaloosa County is scheduled to return on 2 October against Vestavia Hills.
