Tom Braly Jr. was a four-year letterman in basketball and football at Coffee High School. He later graduated from Birmingham Southern before embarking upon his coaching career. He coached at Waterloo, Lauderdale County, Hackleburg and Marion County during his career. His accomplishments include a state championship in 1940 at Marion County. He was a teacher and coach at Coffee from 1941 through 1948. He became principal at the school in 1945. Tom Braly maintained the utmost respect from Coffee High School and the Florence Community. Braly Stadium was named in his honor following his retirement. Although a few games are missing, Barlys overall coaching record is 45-22-2 in nine years as a head football coach. He is a member of the Lauderdale County Sports Hall of Fame. Tom Braly passed away on November 30, 1963 while returning from the annual Alabama and Auburn football game on Saturday night. |