Guntersville High School Hires New Head Football Coach

Will Lang takes over the Wildcats program after successful stint as offensive coordinator at Hartselle High School.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:18am

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Guntersville High School in Alabama has hired Will Lang as its new head varsity football coach. Lang comes to Guntersville after serving as the offensive coordinator and associate head coach at Hartselle High School, where his offense averaged over 400 points per season and reached the second round of the state playoffs.

Why it matters

Guntersville High School has a rich history of football success, having made 15 playoff appearances in the last 16 seasons under former head coach Lance Reese. The hiring of Lang represents an opportunity for the Wildcats to build on that tradition and continue their winning ways on the gridiron.

The details

At Hartselle, Lang's offense was incredibly balanced, throwing for over 1,700 yards and rushing for nearly 1,800 yards in 2025. The Tigers scored 405 points on the season, including a 63-point outburst in one game. Guntersville is coming off a 9-2 season in 2025 that included a playoff appearance, and will look to Lang to continue that success with a new starting quarterback and leading rusher.

  • Will Lang was hired as Guntersville's new head football coach during a Special Called Board of Education meeting earlier this week.
  • Guntersville opens the 2026 season on August 21 at home against Arab.

The players

Will Lang

The new head varsity football coach at Guntersville High School, coming over from a successful stint as the offensive coordinator and associate head coach at Hartselle High School.

Lance Reese

The former head coach at Guntersville High School, who retired following the 2025 season after 16 years at the helm and a record of 137-46 with five region championships and 15 playoff appearances.

Hudson Oliver

The quarterback who saw playing time for Guntersville last season, as the Wildcats look to replace graduated starter Street Smith.

Garrett Christie

Guntersville's leading rusher in 2025, with 442 yards and four touchdowns in seven reported games.

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What they’re saying

“'Coach Lang brings a proven track record of offensive excellence, leadership, and a commitment to developing student athletes both on and off the field. He is also a great leader who will positively impact our students, our program, and our community. We are excited about the energy, vision, and success he brings to our football program.'”

— Dr. Brad Cooper, Guntersville City Schools Superintendent

What’s next

Guntersville will look to Lang to build on the team's 9-2 record from 2025 and continue the program's tradition of success, with the Wildcats opening the 2026 season at home against Arab on August 21.

The takeaway

The hiring of Will Lang as Guntersville's new head football coach represents an opportunity for the program to maintain its winning ways and build on a strong 2025 season. Lang's proven track record of offensive success and player development should help the Wildcats remain a force in Alabama high school football.