We believe it is impossible to adequately convey to someone who has never visited Eastern Kentucky the profound influence that the renowned football coach had on the area. In addition to being the most successful head coach in KHSAA football history, he encouraged tens of thousands of young people from the Tug Fork and Big Sandy valleys to reach their full potential. He was aware of how a winning football group, and consequently a winning mindset, affected a community and its residents. You might succeed regardless of your background or identity, as per the coach. But the football world is currently in grief at the passing of one of the best coaches in history.

Philip Haywood, the most successful coach in Kentucky high school football history, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 73. After suffering severe injuries in a car crash in Pike County on Saturday morning, he was sent to UK Healthcare, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During his 50 seasons as a coach at Belfry High School, he amassed a 491-62 record, which was the most in their history. And the fifth most in all of America. In addition, Haywood had six state runners-up and eight KHSAA state titles. He was a true winner who made a lasting impact on how high school football was seen in Eastern Kentucky.

In addition to being the greatest coach in the world, he was also an even better man. He coached for the love of the game and the opportunity to shape the next generation of young men who would go out into the world to lead the charge. The best that ever existed and will ever exist.

“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Coach Haywood, whose legacy goes far beyond his record. Known for his integrity, Christian values, leadership, and kindness, he touched the lives of countless players, coaches, and communities,” said Freddie Bowling. He is the Pike County Schools director.

He is not alone, though, as many heartfelt tributes start to come in as soon as the news breaks.

How does the football community honor their top coach?

In 1972, Haywood began his coaching career as a youthful assistant to Roy Walton at Tates Creek High School. In the final game ever played, Tates Creek defeated Ashland 16-7, going 13-0 in the state title game. Before moving to Prestonsburg in 1975, he spent the following 2 years working as an assistant at Meade County. The fact that success followed him everywhere was no accident.

However, he excelled at Belfry High School, where he won four straight Class 3A titles between 2013 and 2016. Additionally, under his coaching of Isaac Dixon, they won four times. A reporter of WSAZNews, Joseph Payton, said, “The most important things to me are about players caring for each other, doing the right thing, & being able to put someone above yourself. We’ve always had that at Belfry.”

Where another CFB insider, Tyler Rowland, said, “My heart goes out to the family of Philip Haywood, as well as to the coaches, teachers, players, and the entire community at Belfry. Although I’ve only been to Belfry, a handful of times and never played a down for the Pirates. It was truly an honor to call him my coach for the past 12 months as I hired him to be my life coach.”

Moreover, keeping the kindness of the coach in mind, Rowland said, “Our last brief conversation was Friday night, where we scheduled our next call. I’m paraphrasing, but his last words to me were something like, ‘You’re starting off in all the right directions this year,’ particularly regarding my commitment to my exercise program.”

Rest in peace, Coach Haywood, for now. Everyone who had the honor of knowing you will miss you. We offer up prayers for his loved ones, friends, teammates, and the whole Belfry community. Many football fans are impacted by the loss.