Buddy Anderson

Dovey Ralph "Buddy" Anderson, is a part of the second father-son combination in the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame as his father Dovey Fair Anderson was inducted in the Hall of Fame's first class in 1991. His record as a head football coach for the past 43 years at Vestavia Hills High School is 346-160 with two state football championships. His Rebel teams won 16 area and region championships, and made 31 state playoff appearances. His playoff record is 47-29 while his region record stands at 152-71 which is the most region wins in state history. He retired following the 2020 season as the winningest football coach in the state. Under his tenure as athletic director of the Vestavia Hills High School athletic program the sports teams have won over 45 state championships, and numerous runner-up trophies in all boys and girls sports. He was also the founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Vestavia Hills High School. He was named state coach of the year three times and the Vestavia Hills football field is named in his honor. He also served on the staff of the Alabama All-Star game. Coach Anderson was inducted into the 2003 Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. Anderson attended Thomasville High School and played football but not for his father who had retired because he said he did not wish to coach his sons. He earned a football scholarship to Samford University where he would get his degree. He was signed as a tight end but ended up playing tackle for the Bulldogs. He graduated college in 1972 with high expectations for a coaching career but when no offers came his way he returned to Samford to obtain his Masters degree. He was hired in the fall of 1972 as an assistant coach at Vestavia Hills where he remained for 43 seasons. In February, 1978, assistant Buddy Anderson became Head Coach Buddy Anderson.