Andro Williams was named the new head football coach and athletic director at W.S. Neal High School on Monday.

The veteran head coach will make a jump, moving from Class 1A Linden High School to Class 4A.

Williams plans to start his new job at WSN next week.

“When I visited I met some very good people in the community,” Williams said. “They were very nice and warm people. It’s been a blessing, because I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. At the end of the day I thank God for this opportunity,” he continued. “God put me in this place. I’ve been blessed with a whole lot of opportunities throughout my career, and to be in this position, 15 years later, is special.

Williams graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1995. After earning his bachelor of science in physical education in 2000, he took a one-year post as defensive coordinator at Clarke County High School. He returned to his alma mater and served as defensive coordinator for five years before moving to Linden High School where he spent the next 10 years as head coach and athletic director. Under his leadership Linden won six region titles (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2016). His overall record as a head coach is 110-23.

He was named Class 1A Coach of the Year in 2011 by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and Class 1A Coach of the Year in 2008 by the Alabama Football Coaches Association.

Williams said addressing his former team about his departure was difficult.

“It was tough, really tough,” Williams said. “But I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish. I’m leaving the program in a better situation then when I arrived. I have no doubt they will continue to excel.”

As Williams enters the next chapter of his coaching career, the 40-year old is excited about the potential of his new team, a team that was hampered by injuries and finished 3-7 in 2016.

“My mission is to groom young men and build character,” Williams said. “We have to get the kids prepared mentally and physically. It’s some tough football in the region so we have to come ready to play. I’m really looking forward to hitting the ground running.”