GULF SHORES, Ala. — The school board unanimously approved the hiring of Mark Freeman as the new athletic director and head coach at Gulf Shores High School during a special meeting held Tuesday morning.

Freeman, who will be the third head football coach in school history, was not present at the meeting.

He led Bessemer Academy to four AISA state championships and two state runner-up finishes in a six-year span from 2001-2007.

Along with four state championships, Freeman led the Rebels to seven straight area championships and coached 12 players who were finalists for the Alabama Sports Writers Association Player of the Year award.

He was named the AISA Coach of the Year and ASWA Coach of the Year four times.

Freeman has also been successful on the baseball diamond, where he led the Rebels to a 116-70 record and six playoff appearances.

He has also coached power lifting and girls basketball.

“His success was a big part of why I liked him,” Gulf Shores Principal Ernie Rosado said. “He brings a lot to the table.”

In a statement handed out by Rosado, Freeman said he would hold Gulf Shores athletes to a very high standard.

“As much as I love winning, I also know that academics and character are essential,” Freeman said in the statement. “Having been a father of a high school and then college cheerleader, my door is always open to concerns of students and parents. As head football coach, I hold athletes to a very high standard, keeping grades a top priority.”

Rosado said he likes Freeman not only because of what he can do for Gulf Shores athletics, but also what he can do for the school.

“He brings the ‘whole person’ concept to our school,” Rosado said. “He is an athletic director first, then football coach. He will take care of all of our athletes and put our students first. He will be tremendous for our school.”

Freeman is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Rosado said Freeman came with strong recommendations from University of Alabama legend Major Ogilvie and South Alabama football coach Joey Jones.

He replaces former Dolphin coach Duane Davis, who was fired at the end of the 2008 season.