Drew Gilmer, Adam Helms resign from Hoover football after practice incidents

Two Hoover coaches have resigned from their positions on Thursday after videos went viral earlier in the week. Head coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms are no longer with the high school after being filmed humping players during practice.

“At a special, called meeting of the Hoover City Board of Education on August 8, 2024, the Board approved the acceptance of the resignations submitted by William Drew Gilmore and Adam Helms. Both resignations are effective immediately,” Hoover Athletics said in a statement.

“Chip English remains the interim Head Football Coach and will continue in this role for the remainder of the football season. We appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity and support our players and coaching staff during this transition.

“The past few days have been extremely unsettling for many of our varsity football players, coaches, and the overall Hoover Community. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox reiterated, ‘The safety and well-being of our students and staff continue to be our top priorities.’ Maddox added, ‘We maintain high expectations for our employees and students. At this time, our focus is dedicated to supporting our football players and coaching staff.'”

Video of the incident emerged on Tuesday, which can be found here. Helms appears to push a player to the ground while Gilmer is the one who humps the same person’s head. Two days later, neither of them are with the program.

Hoover enters the 2024 season as the No. 8 team in the state of Alabama. English takes over as the head coach after previously being the quarterbacks coach. After disappointing in 2023, there was hope Gilmer would inspire a turnaround and get back to winning ways.

English will now be tasked with the job in what has been a hectic start to the season before a live snap has been played.

“Hoover went 5-7 in 2023, ending with a 40-7 postseason loss to Hewitt-Trussville,” On3 said about Hoover. “The Buccaneers will look to improve upon that mark in 2024 with games against Birmingham Spain Park, Tuscaloosa Hillcrest, Hewitt-Trussville, Alabaster Thompson and Birmingham Vestavia Hills. The Bucs’ junior class includes talent like wide receiver Jonah Winston, and quarterback Noah Schuback.”

In the release from Hoover Athletics, it says the Buccaneers will begin their 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 24, in Miami, FL, for a national showcase. One week later, they will head back to the Yellowhammer State to face Spain Park.