Jamey DuBose stepped down from his Orange Beach head football coaching post after two seasons with the Makos and a 9-11 overall record. In 2023, Orange Beach finished 1-8 overall and 1-6 in Class 4A Region 1.

The three-time state champion becomes the third head coaching vacancy in Baldwin County after Robertsdale’s Kyle Stanford and Baldwin County High’s Scott Rials were relieved of their duties. Contrarily, DuBose was reportedly offered an extension to stay with the Makos but declined.

DuBose will continue to oversee offseason workouts and assist with the transition to a new head football coach according to a Friday press release from Orange Beach Superintendent Randy Wilkes. The city school system recently broke ground on its $46 million athletic complex which is set to feature a new stadium and an indoor practice facility for more than 400 Mako student-athletes.

After current Spanish Fort head coach Chase Smith started the program in 2020, DuBose served as the second head football coach for Orange Beach High School. DuBose wrapped up his 16th season as a head coach in Alabama with a 146-51 record (31-11 in the postseason) and three state championships, two with Prattville (2008, 2011) and one with Central-Phenix City (2018). DuBose also coached two years in Georgia and logged a 20-5 record with a 5-2 mark in the playoffs.

The Makos hosted their first-ever home playoff game under DuBose last season when Orange Beach finished 8-3 overall. That team also became the program’s first to be state-ranked and had four athletes go on to Division I football programs, including Chris Pearson (Houston), Cash Turner (South Alabama), John Wallace Holladay (Troy) and Will Reddell (South Alabama).

“He has demonstrated and emphasized character above all else. He has worked closely with parents and has successfully mentored present and past students and colleagues,” Wilkes said of DuBose in a Friday press release. “His drive and determination are extraordinary, as is his knowledge of the game, organization of practice, and ability to motivate. Coach DuBose is a winner. He will always be welcome on the Mako sidelines and in our schools.”

Wilkes said the search for the Makos’ next head football coach was set to begin on Monday with an application deadline of Dec. 10.

“However, if a successor is not determined, applications will remain open until the position is filled. Coordinator experience is required, and successful head football coaching experience is preferred,” Wilkes said. “All certifications will be considered. Interested persons may contact Principal Chris Shaw at cshaw@obcityschools.org. A posting will be released with additional information.”