David Godwin may have been gone from the Andalusia area for the last 18 years, but the new Red Level defensive coordinator said he’s happy to be back.

Godwin, of Rose Hill, graduated from Andalusia High School in 1989, went to school at Troy University to pursue a business degree and worked at the Senior Bowl in Mobile for a year and a half.

Shortly after his time at Troy, Godwin got his education degree and had coaching stints at Hillcrest-Evergreen, Eufaula, Northview and Greenville before being hired at RLS.

“I have a love of athletics,” he said. “I love to teach. I like to affect the lives of young people.”

David’s father, Paul, coached in the area for 25-40 years, he said, coaching at Andalusia, Florala and Geneva.

“He used to be the head coach here at Red Level,” David said.

Godwin made sure to note that he is not following in his father’s foot steps.

“I’m doing my own thing,” he said. “It’s a totally different era here.

“I’ve been gone from Andalusia for the better part of 18 years,” he said. “Although this is home, it’s been a while since I’ve been here. I’m happy to be back.”

Godwin is married to Wendy. They have three children, Andrew, Evan and Anna Claire.

He will be teaching middle school history at RLS.