Article by: Drayten Nobles, Contributing Writer
A local community is outraged after a beloved high school head coach was recently removed from his position, and the team was placed on probation amid allegations of recruiting violations.
On May 4, 2026, Zach Golson was allegedly escorted off Mary G. Montgomery’s campus by MCPSS officials, including Principal David Diaz, and told he would be placed on administrative leave because of self-reported violations of recruitment rules surrounding a freshman signing event. At the event, Golson allegedly allowed students who did not live in Mary G. Montgomery’s designated zone to attend. Golson was not given a chance to talk to his players or staff before his removal. The removal occurred only a few months before the start of the high school football season. In the following months, Golson has received widespread support from community members, with many claiming that he had done nothing wrong.
In a statement, former Vice President of the Mary G. Montgomery Quarterback Club, Rodney Vickers, said, “I believe Golson was unfairly targeted with no proof of wrongdoing. For Diaz to ‘self-report’ an issue with no accountability or evidence is ridiculous.”
Following his removal as head coach, Golson filed a lawsuit against the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), the Mobile County Public School System, Mary G. Montgomery’s principal David Diaz, the Mobile County Superintendent Chresal Threadgill, and others. Golson has denied intentionally violating AHSAA rules and claims that the investigation was unfair. In the lawsuit, Golson is seeking an injunction allowing him to coach while the case is pending. This is just weeks after Mary G. Montgomery’s appeals to remove the playoff ban for the 2026-27 season were denied.
As the Vikings head coach, Golson revitalized Vikings football and helped end a decades-long playoff drought. Golson served as head coach of Mary G. Montgomery from 2022 to 2026, compiling a record of 37-10 in his four years. Golson led the Vikings to their first playoff win in decades and brought the team to within one game of the Alabama Class 7A State Championship. His impact extended beyond the school and into the community of Semmes. Many Semmes residents believe that Golson made the community and city what it is today. In his statement, Vickers said, “I watched this man pour his heart and soul into those kids and community. Golson and his coaching staff gave the community of Semmes something we haven’t had in a long time … PRIDE! This has lit a fire in our community and won’t be put out until justice for Golson is served.”
None of the individuals or organizations named in the lawsuit have responded. The lawsuit is still pending in the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
