Collinsville Panthers’ Coach Ernie Willingham has been nominated for the CM Gridiron Coach of the Year award, a prestigious honor that is determined by CMG’s fan-driven interactive voting system. The official voting matchups are slated to be announced in early January.
In 2023, Coach Willingham led the Panthers to an impressive 8-3 record. This marked their second consecutive 8-3 finish under his leadership, highlighting his consistent ability to produce winning seasons.
The Panthers’ offense proved to be a formidable force, racking up a total of 424 points throughout the season, putting up north of 50 points in four contests. On the other side of the ball, the Collinsville defense held opponents to a mere 210 points and managed to pitch three shutouts through 11 games.
Willingham, a Collinsville alum, is in his second stint as the head coach for the Panthers. His first tenure from 1998 to 2002 saw him lead CHS to a respectable 31-24 record. He then transitioned to Appalachian, where he guided the Eagles to a 51-30 mark from 2004 to 2010. This period included seven playoff appearances, two region titles, and two trips to the Class 1A quarterfinals.
In 2013, Willingham returned to his roots at Collinsville and has since led the Panthers to a 68-43 record. This includes seven playoff berths and a notable appearance in the Class 2A semifinals in 2019. Over his 23-year career as a head coach, Willingham has amassed an impressive 150-97 record.
As fans and players eagerly anticipate the announcement of the CM Gridiron Coach of the Year matchups, there’s no doubt that Ernie Willingham’s nomination is a testament to his leadership, coaching acumen, and dedication to the sport. His track record speaks for itself, and this nomination further solidifies his standing as one of the top high school football coaches in Alabama.
