John Ritter is leaving Russellville to take over the football program at Decatur High School.

The Decatur City School Board approved the move Tuesday morning, according to WAFF in Huntsville.

Ritter takes over former Auburn star Aairon Savage, who led the Red Raiders for just one season.

At Russellville, Ritter went 52-19 in six seasons, including a Class 5A state quarterfinal berth in 2020. His 2023 team was 9-3, losing 42-21 to Moody in the second round.

He also has been head coach at West Morgan (2015-2017) and Red Bay (2012-2013).

Ritter is only Decatur’s fifth head coach since 1967. Earl Webb was the coach from 1967-1980. Steve Rivers coached the team from 1981-1995. He was followed by Jere Adcock from 1996-2022.

Jemison hires new coach

Rishard Davis is the new head football coach at Jemison.

He replaces John Therrell, who won just four games in three years. The Panthers have won just nine games under two coaches since 2019.

Davis spent eight seasons at a pair of different Arizona High Schools, Santa Cruz Valley and Morenci. He won 66 games and a state title in 2020.

Clay-Chalkville set to name coach

Clay-Chalkville is set to name a successor for Drew Gilmer, who left to take the Hoover job.

The Cougars officially will announce their new coach following the Jefferson County Board meeting on Thursday.

Clay-Chalkville won two of the last three Class 6A state titles.

This post will be updated