Palmer leaves Summit for Alabama job

By Chris Yow

Just a little more than one week after officially taking over at the offensive coordinator at Summit, Justin Palmer informed the school he would be stepping down to take a position in Alabama.

Although not official until a board meeting on Thursday, Palmer has accepted the position of head coach at Class 5A Cordova.

Summit coach Brian Coleman confirmed to SM-Tn Sports the departure, and he informed his team on Monday morning. Coleman will likely resume play-calling duties for the Spartans, coming off their Class 5A state runner-up finish in 2019.

He declined any further comment.

Palmer takes over a Cordova program that went 5-6 last season in Class 4A, and made an early first round exit in the postseason. While excited for a new opportunity, Palmer expressed how upset he was in having to leave Summit.

“I hate to leave Summit, but Cordova is one of the best jobs in Alabama,” he said. “I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity.”

The Cordova job opened last month when Justin Jones resigned after just one season to accept the defensive coordinator position at 7A power Prattville.

The Blue Devils are scheduled to return to the field against their biggest rival, Dora, on Aug. 21, for the 97th meeting of the two teams. Palmer said his region is tough, but also top-heavy, with Ramsay and Pleasant Grove making up the stiffest competition.

“It’s going to be a tough region, but I have watched a lot of film on the kids, and there is a lot of talent there,” he said. “I think earning a winning record and to make the playoffs would be a successful first season, but we hope to compete at the highest level possible.”

Chris Yow is the multimedia director for Southern Middle Tennessee Sports. He can be reached by email at sports@sm-tnsports.com or on Twitter at @ChrisYow14.

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