The Covington County Board of Education Thursday approved the hire of Chris Wilson as the new head football coach of the Straughn Tigers.

Wilson is from Chatom, and was a 1995 graduate of Washington County High School where he played football and baseball.

Wilson has the been the head coach for the Washington County football team for the past five seasons, and has compiled a record of 57 wins and 12 losses. Over the past three seasons, Wilson’s teams have gone an impressive 39-5, including back-to-back trips to the 2A state title game. This past season, Washington County outscored their opponents 638 to 95. The Washington County job was Wilson’s first heading coaching job.

The Tigers went to the third round of the AHSAA 4A playoffs, but lost seniors at several key positions.

Wilson is described as very intense coach who is a stickler for doing the little things right.

He likes to line up and a spread to give the impression of throwing, but usually runs the ball. However, he hasn’t had a quarterback with the ability to establish a passing attack, those who watched his program said.

SHS pricipal John Evers said, “We’re really proud to have him as a coach. I know his win/loss record is impressive, but I was impressed with him as a person. I really think he’s the right person for our program and for our school.