How Northridge football coach Ryan Lolley is changing the school’s football culture

When Northridge hired Ryan Lolley to be its third football coach in school history, he welcomed the new chapter for himself and the Jaguars.

“It’s been a change, but it’s been an opportunity for me to grow, stretch myself (and) meet a lot of new people,” Lolley said.

Lolley replaced Mike Vickery, who left for Pelham, in April. Under Vickery, the Jaguars went 24-38 in six seasons that included back-to-back winning seasons and playoff appearances. Lolley’s hiring has Northridge players excited for the upcoming season.

“It felt like we were getting comfortable (in the last few seasons), and the best way to change comfort is change,” Jaguars offensive lineman Baker Hickman said.

After a nine-year stint at Gordo, where Lolley had a 99-18 record, reached the 2020 Class 4A state championship game and won six region championships and 18 playoff games, he strives to build a similar program at Northridge.

Former Gordo High Head Coach Ryan Lolley gives instructions to his defense as they play against North Jackson Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at Gordo High School in Gordo.

“We need to be sowing some good seeds, so we’re reaping a good harvest in the fall because the fall is going to ask, ‘What (have you) done all offseason?’ ” Lolley said.

Lolley emphasizes toughness and discipline at every practice. His players adore his contagious, no-nonsense attitude. Senior tackle Wilkin Formby says Lolley’s presence has changed the school’s football culture.

“He’ll always say, ‘There’s someone right now a few miles down the road at (the) children’s hospital that would do anything to be in your position right now, so why are y’all having self pity?’ ” Formby said. “It really shifts your focus on things like that. No matter how tired you are, there’s someone out there doing way worse than you.”

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His players have also embraced Lolley’s energetic personality and demanding coaching style. When they perform well, they get rewards, such as playing music during workouts.

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“We had to unlock (listening to music) with hard work,” Formby said. “(Lolley) said one day we might be able to get some music out here at practice.”

Despite jumping from Class 4A to 6A, Lolley is confident that his team’s preparation will have it ready.

“Football is football, players are players,” he said. “There’s more people, so that takes more organization. That’s something that I have to constantly work on, but we have great coaching staff that does a great job of helping.”

Northridge will open its season at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19 against Oak Mountain.

Derrian Carter is a sports reporting intern for the Tuscaloosa News. Contact him at DCarter@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @DerrianCarter00.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Northridge Ryan Lolley reveals how he is changing the football culture