Chambers Academy coach hits 200 career wins
BY MICHELLE KEY
RYAN SMITH AND
KATIE MCELVY
LAFAYETTE — Chambers Academy head football coach Jason Allen reached a milestone few coaches in Alabama’s independent school history have achieved — his 200th career victory — and the celebration that followed was filled with gratitude, laughter and heartfelt memories from former players, coaches, family and friends.
The milestone win came in late October against Abbeville, marking another chapter in a career that began in 1998 when Allen took over a struggling Rebels program and began molding it into one of the AISA’s most respected teams.
Building a Program — and Young Men
Before the game, former players recorded a surprise video tribute, confident Allen would claim win number 200.
“Coach, I saw online that you were sitting at 199,” said Ryan Smith, a former player. “We’re making this video early because I have all the confidence in the world you’re bringing home win 200. When you took us over, we weren’t a very good football team. You taught us how to be young men, and I can’t thank you enough for that.”
Those early seasons weren’t easy. Allen’s first team managed just one win, but by his third year, the Rebels hosted a playoff game for the first time in years. That steady climb became a trademark of his tenure — building a foundation on discipline, faith and relationships.
More Than Wins: A Legacy of Faith, Family and Football
“There are four things that make Coach Allen such a great coach,” said coach Tom Garret, one of his longtime assistants. “His love of God, his ability to teach the game, his trust in his coaching staff and the energy he brings every Friday night. When that ball hits the ground, everyone’s ready to hit somebody.”
Other coaches across the state echoed the same respect.
“Not a lot of people in the AISA can say they’ve reached 200 wins,” said Kyle Jackson. “Jason runs his program the right way — with integrity, faith and love for his kids. That’s what makes him special.”
Generations Impacted
Dozens of players who have since become coaches themselves credited Allen for influencing their careers and character.
“You led me into coaching and became a father figure and mentor,” said Matt Smith. “I wouldn’t know where I’d be without your guidance over the years. Thank you for helping me become the man I am today.”
Another former player, Shane Andrews added with a laugh, “I had the opportunity to play for you before you learned how to coach — and now you’ve got it figured out,” he said. “You’re creating great men, husbands and fathers. That’s why my son’s playing for you now.”
Full Circle Moments
For many, the milestone also carried personal nostalgia — memories that stretched back to the program’s humble beginnings.
“Coach, a little under 30 years ago, I had the pleasure of taking a snap as your quarterback in your first win ever,” said Scott Smith, a former player and coach. “Now you’re at 200 — that’s amazing. I’ve had the honor of playing for you, coaching with you and, more than anything, calling you a friend. Thank you for all the lives you’ve changed and all the lives you’ll continue to change.”
The Same Coach on the Mountain and in the Valley
Allen’s brother, Matthew Allen, described him as unwavering, no matter the scoreboard.
“I’ve been with you in the valley when it was bad and on the mountain when it was good,” he said. “You were the same coach in both places. You teach those kids morals and values — and that’s what matters most.”
That steadiness is what his players and community have come to love most — a consistent example of leadership on and off the field.
Behind the Scenes
Few know the long hours and tireless dedication that go into those 200 wins better than Allen’s wife, Mindee.
“People see the wins,” she said, “but they don’t see the hours of film study, the field cutting and painting, or how you pour into the PeeWee program. You want every kid to learn the game the right way. I’m proud not just of the coach you are, but the man, husband and father you are. I’m thankful to be by your side.”
Their son Peyton Allen offered his own brief but heartfelt tribute.
“Congratulations, Dad, on win number 200,” he said. “It’s been an honor to be your son and watch you do what you love. I love you, Dad.”
A Milestone Measured in People
Through laughter, stories and more than a few tears, every message carried the same theme: Allen’s legacy isn’t defined by numbers, but by people.
“Coach Allen always taught us to do things the right way,” said one former player. “He made us better men than football players — and that’s saying something.”
As Chambers Academy celebrated its longtime leader, the 200th win became less about the scoreboard and more about a lifetime of shaping character, community and the game he loves.
The History
Allen recorded his 200th career win with the Rebels’ victory over Abbeville on Thursday, Oct. 30, and now ranks among the top 100 winningest coaches in Alabama high school football history, across both public and private programs.
Allen’s overall career record stands at 200-87-1 over 24 seasons, including a 179-72-1 mark at Chambers Academy and a 21-15 record during his three seasons at Glenwood School (2010–2012).
Allen began his coaching career at Chambers in 1998, leading the Rebels to an 8-3 record in his first season and an 11-2 record and state championship appearance the following year. He guided the team to another title game in 2000 before departing briefly and returning to Chambers from 2006 to 2009, where his 2008 squad went 8-4.
After his stint at Glenwood — which included a state championship appearance in 2011 — Allen returned to Chambers in 2013 for what would become his most successful era. Taking over a 1-9 program, he quickly turned things around, posting a 5-6-1 record his first year back and building the Rebels into one of the AISA’s most dominant programs.
Since 2013, Allen’s teams have gone 130-29-1, earning nine 10-win seasons, 10 region titles and four state championships — including an undefeated 13-0 run in 2018 and back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. His squads have consistently outscored opponents by wide margins and remain fixtures in the AISA playoff scene.
Now in his 24th year as a head coach, Allen has collected 13 region championships and four state titles, achievements that place him among an elite group of Alabama high school coaches to reach the 200-win milestone.
But for Allen, the numbers tell only part of the story. His true success, he said, lies in the generations of players he’s helped shape — young men who credit their coach with teaching lessons far beyond football.
As one former player put it, “Coach Allen made us better men than football players,” said Michael Ogletree.
For Chambers Academy, that legacy will last long after the final whistle.
A Word from the Coach
When Allen took over as head football coach at Chambers Academy more than two decades ago, he said he never imagined he would one day stand at the helm of 200 career victories.
“I didn’t think I’d ever coach 200 games, much less win 200,” Allen said with a laugh. “To have that opportunity is an incredibly rich milestone in my career.”
Allen’s career win percentage — hovering around 69% — speaks for itself, but the longtime coach is quick to credit the people around him for that success.
“God has really blessed us,” he said. “We’ve had great players and great coaches over the years who have made all of this possible.”
A Staff Built on Loyalty
Allen’s program, from the varsity Rebels to the youngest Pee Wee players, operates under one unified system — a structure he credits to his dedicated coaching staff.
“The number one quality I’ve always looked for in an assistant coach is loyalty,” he said. “That goes a long way toward being successful. I’ve been fortunate to have coaches who believe in what we’re doing, and many of them are former players. They understand the mission and help carry it out. I definitely couldn’t do it without those guys.”
Faith First, Football Second
Allen said the key to longevity isn’t just about football knowledge or game plans — it’s about balance.
“If you want to run a successful program, it takes a lot of time,” Allen said. “But being a coach doesn’t define who you are. First and foremost, if you have a family, that’s your number one responsibility.”
Allen said his faith keeps him grounded and gives perspective to his life in football.
“My identity is in Christ,” he said. “God doesn’t care how many wins I have at the end of my career. He cares more about how I affect the young men I coach and how I live my life.”
He credits his wife, Mindee, for supporting him through the demanding years of building a winning program.
“When I was younger, I wasn’t around as much as she would’ve liked, especially when our kids were small,” he said. “It’s gotten easier now that they’re grown, but I still love this program. I want it to be first class, and that takes effort.”
Mentors and Lessons Learned
Throughout his career, Allen said he has drawn wisdom from a long list of mentors who helped shape his philosophy and coaching style.
“My former coaches — coach McGinnie and coach Charlie Hughes — had a big impact on me as a player,” he said. “Then, as I started coaching, God put the right people in my path at the right times.”
Among them were coaches Stan Pepper, Robert Maddox, Wayne Trawick and Tom Garrett, each of whom influenced Allen’s approach to leadership and faith.
“Coach Maddox helped me develop my football acumen,” Allen said. “Coach Trawick was one of the all-time winningest coaches in Alabama, and his example taught me a lot. And coach Garrett — he’s been beside me for 13 years now. His wisdom and friendship have meant the world to me.”
Looking Ahead
Despite reaching 200 wins and capturing multiple state titles in both football and basketball, Allen said he isn’t focused on numbers or records.
“I’ve never set goals based on how many games I win,” he said. “That’s something for other people to keep up with. My goal is simple — to keep doing this as long as I feel like I can impact young men and do this program justice.”
When asked about retirement, Allen smiled.
“I still love what I do,” he said. “When I stop enjoying being around the kids, the coaches and the program — when I feel like I can’t give it what it deserves — then I’ll know it’s time. But I don’t see that time anywhere near.”
