The Selma (AL) Southside Panthers have moved quickly to fill their head coaching vacancy, announcing Josh Thacker as the program's next leader just over a week after Charles Moody departed for crosstown rival Selma High.

Thacker brings a wealth of experience to the Panthers' sideline. With seven years of head coaching experience under his belt, he was named the 2018 AISA Coach of the Year. More recently, he has served as offensive coordinator at both Prattville High and Pike Road, where his offenses consistently ranked among Alabama's most explosive. At Demopolis High, Thacker helped guide the team to back-to-back region championships and two of the top scoring offenses in the state. His most recent stop at Pike Road saw his unit rack up 454 points en route to another region title and a Class 6A semifinal appearance.

"We would like to welcome our new head coach, Josh Thacker," the school announced, highlighting his proven track record of building high-powered offenses and winning programs.

Thacker steps into big shoes, replacing Moody, who left as the winningest head coach in Southside program history with a 57-25 record over seven seasons. The Panthers are coming off a stellar 2024 campaign, finishing 13-1 and ranked No. 101 in the state according to the final Massey Ratings.

For Southside, a school that prides itself on developing student-athletes both on and off the field, the hire signals a commitment to maintaining its recent success. With Thacker's offensive mind and championship experience, Panthers fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the future.

Whether you're gearing up for Friday night lights or looking to rep your favorite Alabama high school program, stay ready for an exciting new era of Southside football.