Gulf Shores head football coach Mark Freeman is close to becoming the next head football coach at Spanish Fort, according to a source close to the school's hiring search.

Freeman has reportedly accepted the position, but nothing is final until the Baldwin County Board of Education approves the hiring at its meeting on Thursday. Freeman would replace Bryant Vincent, who took an assistant coaching job at the University of South Alabama after leading the Toros to the 5A state championship in 2010.

Freeman has coached Gulf Shores to a 13-9 record in two seasons. In his first season at Gulf Shores in 2009, he led the Dolphins to a 9-3 record and their first playoff win. He won four AISA championships at Bessemer Academy before coming to Gulf Shores.

Islander writer Dale Jones contributed to this report.