Ryan Lolley’s 100th coaching career win will come at a new school.

The Gordo High coach was approved Tuesday night by the Tuscaloosa City School Board as the new football coach at Northridge High.

He replaces Mike Vickery, who left last month to become head coach at Pelham. Lolley informed her Green Wave team of her decision earlier today.

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“It’s a great opportunity,” Lolley told AL.com. “I think they have a lot of good things going on, and I think we can bring a lot to the table to be successful. They’ve had great teams, and we want to get in there and help them be the best version of them. themselves and work as hard as possible to be as hard as possible. I think if we focus on hard work and tenacity, the rest will take care of itself.

In nine years as a head coach at Gordo, Lolley went 99-18 with a Class 4A second-place finish in 2020 and a pair of 3A semi-finals in 2014 and 2016. His teams have made the playoffs every season .

The 2021 Green Wave team went 9-3, losing to eventual Class 4A finalist Oneonta in the second round. Lolley spent 11 years as an assistant coach at Gordo before becoming head coach in 2013.

“Professionally it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done speaking with these guys today because of the respect and loyalty I have for them and they have for me,” said Lolley informing his Gordo players of his decision. “I worked for a large administration, a superintendent and a director. It’s a special place for me, and always will be. This will never change.

“One of the positive things about the end of this chapter is that it ends on a high note. In this business and in this business, ending in one place isn’t necessarily always where you want it to be. But I feel like I’m leaving on good terms and with good memories and that’s important to me. We love the people of Gordo, and we’ll be shooting for them and checking their score every Friday.

Lolley takes over a Northridge team that has gone 7-4 in each of the past two Class 6A seasons and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

“We are thrilled to add Coach Lolley to our faculty at Northridge High School,” said Northridge Principal Dr. Tygar Evans. “He brings his passion for youth development through athletics, academics and high character. He is the right fit for The Ridge.

“I’m ready to get in there and start,” Lolley said. “I am excited about this new chapter at Northridge. I’m excited to get to know these coaches and the kids at the school. It’s a great place, and I want to do my best to make it even better. This will be my goal from the time I wake up in the morning until the time I fall asleep at night. I’m going to bring an intensity that I want everyone to match.