Former Hewitt-Trussville Coach Lands Major College Job Back in Alabama

Drew Stutts returns to his alma mater UNA after winning multiple NAIA national titles

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:08am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors depicting the abstract shapes and movements of a basketball game or match, conveying the energy and dynamism of collegiate sports.Stutts' return to Alabama as an assistant coach at UNA aims to bring his championship pedigree and local ties to help elevate the Lions' basketball program.Trussville Today

Drew Stutts, a former junior varsity and varsity assistant coach at Hewitt-Trussville High School, has been hired as an assistant coach for the University of North Alabama (UNA) men's basketball team. Stutts is returning to his alma mater in Florence, Alabama after finding success at the NAIA level, winning multiple national championships at Freed-Hardeman University.

Why it matters

Stutts' hiring at UNA is seen as a boost for the Lions' program, as he brings championship-level experience and strong Alabama ties that should help with recruiting and building the team's profile in the state.

The details

Stutts spent several years on the coaching staff at Hewitt-Trussville High School, working with the junior varsity and varsity teams. He then went on to Freed-Hardeman University, where he won multiple NAIA national titles as an assistant coach. Now, Stutts is returning to his alma mater UNA to join the men's basketball coaching staff, with the goal of elevating the program to new heights.

  • Stutts was previously an assistant coach at Hewitt-Trussville High School.
  • He then went on to Freed-Hardeman University, where he won multiple NAIA national titles as an assistant coach.
  • Stutts has now been hired as an assistant coach for the University of North Alabama (UNA) men's basketball team.

The players

Drew Stutts

A former junior varsity and varsity assistant coach at Hewitt-Trussville High School who has been hired as an assistant coach for the University of North Alabama (UNA) men's basketball team.

University of North Alabama (UNA)

Stutts' alma mater, where he has been hired as an assistant coach for the men's basketball team.

Freed-Hardeman University

The NAIA school where Stutts won multiple national titles as an assistant coach before taking the job at UNA.

Hewitt-Trussville High School

The school where Stutts previously worked as a junior varsity and varsity assistant coach.

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What they’re saying

“Stutts' championship experience and Alabama ties should immediately boost the Lions' program.”

— UNA leaders

The takeaway

Stutts' return to Alabama as an assistant coach at his alma mater UNA represents an opportunity for him to apply the lessons and success he found at the NAIA level to help elevate a Division I program in his home state.