After moving in a different direction with the boys' basketball program following back-to-back losing seasons, Spanish Fort High School has hired Andre Epps as its new head coach.

"Blessed and excited about this new chapter! It's time to get to work and get this program back to its winning tradition," Epps said via social media after the announcement.

Epps comes from Murphy High School where he coached the Panthers to a 26-7 record, a Class 6A Area 1 title and an Elite Eight appearance this past season. He also led the Panthers to an area title in the 2023-24 season.

He has an 89-63 head coaching record over five seasons, all at Murphy, and arrived there from Baker High School where he served as a varsity assistant for four years. Epps is also a graduate of B.C. Rain High School in Mobile and played wide receiver at the University of West Alabama from 2003-07.

Hiring Epps is a step toward returning the Toros program to its winning tradition. Spanish Fort has a history of eight area championships, along with three Elite Eight appearances and two trips to the Final Four. According to athletic director Kyle Harper, the Toros had a significant amount of interest in the position and interviewed nine high-caliber applicants from across Alabama and Mississippi.

"What really stood out to us during the hiring process was Coach Epps's commitment to community and to relationships," Harper said. "He understands that a successful program goes beyond the varsity level and includes connecting with students, families and the entire Spanish Fort community. He believes strongly in building something that lasts, and that starts with investing in our younger athletes and strengthening our youth and middle school programs. Our goal at Spanish Fort is to develop outstanding young men, not just great basketball players. Coach Epps shares that vision and is passionate about mentoring our students so they grow into responsible men who positively impact their families and communities."

The Toros will host a meet-and-greet for Epps and the Spanish Fort community Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. in the school's library.