Ider High School has found a new head football coach in Miles Keith, and soon Keith takes over at Ider. A Talladega native, Keith graduated from Talladega High School in 2002, where he played football and baseball. Upon his high school graduation, Keith walked on the football team at Jacksonville State University, where he played for Jack Crowe from 2002-2003. Keith ultimately graduated from JSU with a degree in PE/Health.
Keith has previously served as the linebackers coach at Tallassee High School, as well as the defensive coordinator at Crossville High School, St. Clair County High School, and North Jackson High School. Keith takes over at Ider just in time for summer workouts.
“I am so happy to be at Ider,” said Keith. “I have already been contacted by almost everyone in the community saying they are excited and ready to help whenever needed. You cannot put a price on people wanting to help the program and our kids be successful.”
Keith is ready to make the move from Tallassee to Ider. “I am ready to meet the kids and get to work ASAP,” said Keith. “I spent two years at Crossville, fell in love with Sand Mountain, and could not wait to come back.”
As to his coaching philosophy, Keith plans to bring a mix of power and finesse to the Ider offense. “We are going to be a down-hill running team with spread tendencies. We are going to put an emphasis on being in great shape and executing the rest of the summer.”
Keith credits his coaching style to some of his mentors. “I have had the chance to work with some great coaches,” said Keith. “Sam Graham has had such an impact on my life by showing me how to be a coach who loves Jesus. Miles Holcomb is one of my best friends and has helped me so much over the years, learning offense. My brother Andy Keith gave me my first chance to get my feet wet at the varsity level and showed me what a hard-working coach looks like. I have also had the chance to work with both Mike Battles Sr. and Mike Battles Jr. They showed me the ins and outs of being a head coach.”
In terms of the direction of the Ider football program, Keith made his priorities clear. “We are going to honor Jesus in everything we do,” said Keith. “I want to build a culture where our kids are where they are supposed to be on time, doing what they are supposed to be doing, and doing it to the best of their ability. I want to build on the foundation that Coach Tinker laid over the last 16 years.”
Miles Keith is married to the former Brittany Webb, a graduate of North Jackson High School. They have three sons; Seth (6), Trent (4), and Beau (2).