Philip Haywood passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, after being involved in a car accident on Saturday, leaving behind his wife Linda and two daughters.
Philip Haywood was the all-time coaching wins leader in Kentucky high school football with a 491-160 record in 50 seasons.
In 1972, he started working at Tates Creek High School as Roy Walton’s assistant coach.
After graduating from Prestonsburg, he spent nine seasons as a coach at his alma mater starting in 1975.
He began coaching at Belfry in 1984 and has been a Pirate ever since, finishing second six times and winning eight state titles.
Among the Pirates’ accomplishments were four consecutive Class 3A titles from 2013 to 2016. Moreover, they prevailed in 2021, 2019, 2004, and 2003.
During the 2021 state championship season, he coached Kentucky Mr. Football winner Isaac Dixon, who rushed for 1,986 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Belfry finished 11-3 last season and advanced to the Class 3A state semifinals by winning district and regional titles.
In addition, he was the author of two books: his autobiography, Faith, Family, and Football, and his manual for success in both life and sports, Climb the Mountain.
Philip Haywood Was The Most Successful High-School Football Coach in Kentucky!
Unfortunately, it was revealed that Philip Haywood passed on January 22, 2025, after being hospitalized due to a car accident.
According to his family on Saturday, Philip Haywood had suffered serious injuries in a car accident.
In addition, Melissa Haywood, Haywood’s daughter, posted a video to Facebook requesting prayers, stating that her father was being sent to the University of Kentucky for treatment.
He’s got two punctured lungs, a hematoma on the brain and a cervical fracture, Please keep my dad and family in your prayers.
According to the Williamson Daily News, Haywood’s car struck black ice in Pike County on Saturday morning and plunged into a creek.
Sadly, he did not survive the accident, and the University of Kentucky Hospital pronounced him dead on Wednesday.
I don’t think it’s possible to fully explain to someone who has never been to Eastern Kentucky the enormous impact Philip Haywood had on the region.
— John Lowe (@JohnLoweTV) January 22, 2025
Not only was he the winningest head coach in the history of KHSAA football, but he inspired tens of thousands of young people from… pic.twitter.com/BNYDfzm7Js
Belfry athletics director Matt Varney confirmed his death, and his friends and family have honored him with numerous tributes.
I just heard about the passing of longtime Belfry football coach Philip Haywood and my thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew him. He was a legendary coach and a great man.
Matt Varney
Philip Haywood Had Two Daughters, Melissa and Jacquelyn, With His Wife, Linda!
Philip Haywood is survived by his two daughters, Melissa and Jacquelyn, as well as his cherished wife, Linda.
Haywood also frequently discussed the amazing support he has received from his family during his coaching career.
In addition, Linda frequently posted pictures of herself and Philip on social media, showing how content they were with each other and their large family.
Recently, in October, Linda and Philip were spotted celebrating Halloween at Belfry’s Trunk or Treat event.
Haywood’s family appears to be going through a difficult time and needs space for the time being, as they have not made any announcements regarding his funeral.
Since January 13th, Linda has not been active on social media, and her friends and family have tagged her with their condolences for her husband.
Additional Information
- He received five awards as the High School Football Coach of the Year from The Courier-Journal.
- The autobiographies Faith, Family, and Football and Climb the Mountain by Philip Haywood were released on December 23, 2014, and May 17, 2023, respectively.
- Philip Haywood was a grandfather to three grandchildren.
