A new era has begun for the Andalusia High School football team, as Trent Taylor has been named head football coach.

The Andalusia Board of Education made the hiring official in a special called meeting on Tuesday.

“We got exactly who we wanted,” Andalusia superintendent Ted Watson said. “Trent is from Andalusia, he knows the genetic makeup and the desire of the community. He is a guy who can best pull us together as a community, and that is something I want to stress. Everything we do, we are in the process of building a community, and trying to get everybody to pull together. I see him being able to bring cohesiveness in this Andalusia City Schools’ environment, and this community that maybe we haven’t had in quite some time.”

Asked about expectations for the new coach, Watson, who is a former coach, quickly quipped, “Just win, baby!”

“No. Too much, I think coaches are judged on just wins and losses, and that is the ultimate goal. The truth of the matter is we want him to build relationships with these young kids, and teach them how to become men. If he can do that, and build character for our kids, then winning will take care of itself.”

Taylor, who has been head coach of Straughn’s Tigers for 25 years, has compiled a 183-121 record in his 27 years as a head coach. His teams have made appearances in 19 playoffs. In 2012, he was the 3A Coach of the Year

Taylor said he is excited about his new job.

“I’m very excited opportunity to come home, and coach were I played,” he said. “It should have been a very easy decision, but with the friendships and relationships I’ve built at Straughn, it made it a tough decision. It has been truly amazing how God has opened some doors, and allowed this time to be the right time.

“This isn’t the first time that the Andalusia job has been open since I’ve been at Straughn, but this is the first time that I can truly say that the timing was right,” he said. “Whether you have been at a school for five years or 25 years, it is never easy to leave, because you develop relationships with kids, as well as with other people. Those memories I have of Straughn no one can every take away.”

Taylor said he’s moving, but not far.

“The thing about it is I’m not moving three hours away,” he said. “I know about the Andalusia football program and I know the things that they have been able to do. I’m excited about getting in there and getting to work.”

Taylor will begin work in January.