GULF SHORES, Ala. — "I have never felt more welcome,” said new head football coach and athletic director Rick Cauley after being introduced to students, staff, parents and media Friday morning at Gulf Shores High.

“I’m ready to get to work and that’s what I’m about. Everything that I do is going to be based on what’s right, not who’s right.”

The 41-year-old started his career at Murphy as the freshman coach 19 years ago and was AD/head coach from 2014-16 during which the Panthers went 20-13 with winning records and Class 7A playoff berths each season.

He told his future players that making their high-school football experience the best it can be is his No. 1 priority.

“Now making it the best it can be includes winning games and that takes work,” he said. “I’m talking about hard work from all of us. Put the work in, see the product on the field and getting results. That’s our goal. And it’s going to take the whole school, everybody — not just the players.”

Cauley, who also led MHS at offensive coordinator for seven seasons said he has no set system to implement right away, but plans to tailor the a fit based on what he sees in the coming workouts and practices.

“I want to find out what you do best, individually and as a group,” he said to his players. “Now, I’m excited to be in this community with my family here. This is where we really want to be and are looking forward to being for a long time.”

The Baldwin County Board of Education approved his hiring Thursday after the recommendation of GSHS principal Ernie Rosado. Cauley replaces Jamie Williams after two seasons.

Gulf Shores competes in (Nine-team Class 6A, Region 1) one of the toughest leagues in the Alabama High School Athletic Association. That includes recent deep state-playoff contenders Blount, Daphne, Spanish Fort and Saraland.

Cauley played high-school sports at and graduated (1992) from Satsuma High. He went on to play college football at UAB and Mississippi College. He also played baseball at the University of Mobile. He and wife Ashley, who will teach literature at GSHS, have three daughters: Isabel, Alivia and Elaina.