Erik Speakman announced his resignation as Faith Academy’s football coach Monday after only one year on the job.
Speakman, who directed the Rams to a 1-8 finish in 2024, cited family issues that required him to return to the Auburn-Opelika area. He told the Call News he hopes to find a job in that area.
Speakman said he had to play a lot of freshmen and sophomores in 2024 but the experience they gained should pay off.
“Our seventh and eighth graders had some good seasons, too,” he said. “Our seventh-grade squad was undefeated and our eighth graders had a good showing against some of the larger schools. Whoever takes over the program will have a lot of kids who have had varsity experience. … whoever takes over will have a chance to get Faith back to where it was when they went to the Class 5A semifinals two years in a row.”
Speakman said he spoke with his players and Faith headmaster Barry Pickering about his decision.
“He and I talked about me getting out of the way and let them go and find a replacement,” Speakman said.
Speakman was 45-25 in six seasons at Opelika (2018-2023) and took over the Rams’ program after Jack French announced his retirement in December 2023.
Speakman, an Auburn University graduate, served on UMS-Wright coach Terry Curtis’ first staff in 1999 prior to going to Opelika
Last season, Faith was outscored 99-370 in going 1-8. The lone win was a 35-27 victory over Elberta in week 4.
Speakman’s resignation leaves five coaching vacancies in Mobile County, including Vigor, LeFlore, Murphy and Vigor.
