Michael Harper steps down as head football coach at New Hope (AL)
After just two seasons at the helm, Michael Harper has decided to step away from coaching Alabama high school football.
According to a report by AL.com Sports, Harper has officially stepped down as the head coach at New Hope (Ala.) after two seasons leading the Indians. In his two campaigns at New Hope, Harper had a 5-15 record in one of the more competitive regions in the Yellowhammer State.
Before Harper accepted the head coaching position at New Hope he was the Whitesburg Christian head coach for the 2020 season and afterwards landed at Hazel Green as the offensive coordinator in 2023.
New Hope has had a tough time getting above the .500 mark as late, with the team over the last 10 years having finished 5-6 and below. The last time the Indians finished above the .500 mark was back in 2015 when they ended the season 9-5.
- 1
NewNCAA Tournament projections entering conference tournament week
- 2

Morgan Scalley addresses Kyle Whittingham’s Utah exit
- 3

Inside Kalani Sitake's decision to turn down Penn State
- 4

College football storylines for 2026 season
- 5

Path to WCWS: Softball Super Regional matchups set
Get the On3 Top 10 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Harper went 3-7 in 2024 and 2-8 in 2025, playing out of a tough Class 4A, Region 8.
More about New Hope High School
New Hope High School in New Hope, Alabama, is a co-educational public school serving a student population of about 370. Known for its strong community ties, the school’s mascot is the Indians, and its athletics program includes football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and more. The school emphasizes both academic and athletic achievement, offering a well-rounded education. With a supportive environment, New Hope fosters student growth through extracurricular activities and sports.
How to Follow Alabama High School Football
For Alabama high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Yellowhammer State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Alabama.