Demopolis is buzzing with excitement as we warmly welcome Mark Heaton back to our community as the new DCS Athletic and Facilities Director. A 1997 DHS graduate, Heaton has spent the last seven years serving as the assistant principal and athletic director in Baldwin County. With a decade of experience as a head football coach—including a successful tenure at Russellville—Heaton brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our athletic programs.
He shares his gratitude, saying, “I have been a lot of places, and this is my opportunity to come home and be a part of the community that has meant so much to me. My perception of Demopolis was so great, and the people I was surrounded by… I want to do the same thing for others.” A former quarterback for DHS, Heaton also played at the University of West Alabama.
In addition, we are thrilled to announce the return of Coach Dustin Goodwin as the head football coach at Demopolis High School. After two successful seasons at Russellville High School, Goodwin has accepted the same position back in his hometown, marking a celebrated return that has fans and alumni eager for the next chapter of DHS football.
Goodwin officially informed his Russellville players and coaching staff of his decision Friday morning, with his resignation taking effect on January 16, 2026. His coaching journey is deeply intertwined with Demopolis. A 2003 DHS graduate, he was a standout All-State athlete in both football and baseball before playing at Auburn University and the University of North Alabama, where he was part of UNA’s 2006 Gulf South Conference Championship team. His father, Doug Goodwin, also left a lasting legacy at Demopolis, making this latest chapter a full-circle moment for the Goodwin family and the Tiger community.
Since starting his coaching career in 2008 as a quarterbacks coach at Russellville—under his father's leadership—Goodwin has built a strong résumé across Alabama. He led programs at Plainview, Chelsea, and Russellville, and served as a key offensive assistant for Thompson High School’s powerhouse 7A team, including its 2022 state championship run. At Russellville, Goodwin guided the Golden Tigers to a 14-9 record and back-to-back playoff appearances. But now, his focus turns to leading Demopolis forward, energizing a community that watched him grow up on the same field he’ll soon command from the sidelines.
Reflecting on his return, Goodwin shared, “I felt like I was being led to coach in Demopolis for some time now. Since about 2013 actually. For a few years, I thought I had my signals crossed when I felt that. I guess that's the difference in our timing and God's timing. I believe he was preparing everyone's hearts and minds, mine included, to what we all believe Demopolis can and should be. I believe in this place and the people that are here to help us get there. This is a true homecoming, and I'm really excited that my boys will get to have many of the same experiences at Demopolis that I did.” Coach Goodwin is bringing Coach Dylan Seabolt with him to help lead the Tigers. Coach Seabolt has been with Dustin for 6 years at Chelsea and then Russellville.
Demopolis fans and players alike are thrilled to welcome Athletic Director Heaton and Coach Goodwin back home. Their passion for football and deep local roots promise to inspire a new generation of Tigers. This homecoming marks not only a return but also a renewal of tradition, pride, and possibility for Demopolis High School football.
Go Tigers! Blue Heat! 🐾🏈