Belfry Mourns the Loss of Legendary Football Coach Philip Haywood

The city of Pike County is in mourning following the death of Philip Haywood, the most successful coach in Kentucky high school football history. Haywood passed away at the age of 73 after suffering serious injuries in a car crash. His impactful life came to a tragic end on Wednesday, and news of his passing has left a profound impact on the local community and beyond.

Last season marked Haywood’s 50th year coaching at Belfry High School, where he built an extraordinary legacy. With a remarkable record of 491-162, he was the first coach in Kentucky to reach the milestone of 400 wins, achieving this feat in 2015. Throughout his career, Haywood led the Belfry Pirates to eight state championships and six runner-up finishes, solidifying his status as a true icon in high school football.

Haywood was honored not just for his numerous victories but for his dedication to young athletes. Longtime sports writer Mike Fields emphasized that Haywood’s greatest legacy is his role as a mentor to countless young men. “He preached that faith and family always came before football,” Fields noted.

A native of Prestonsburg, Haywood began his coaching journey there before taking the helm at Belfry in 1984. Under his guidance, the Pirates not only became a powerhouse team but also saw the incredible talent emerge, such as Kentucky’s Mr. Football winner Isaac Dixon in 2021.

In a social media tribute, Freddie Bowling, the Pike County Schools superintendent, shared, “His legacy goes far beyond his record. Known for his integrity, Christian values, leadership, and kindness, he touched the lives of countless players, coaches, and communities.”

The impact of Coach Haywood transcended the football field, with fellow coaches and community members expressing their deep sorrow. U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers recalled how Haywood was a life coach who inspired hope for generations.

This past fall, Belfry’s football team achieved an impressive 11-3 record, claiming district and regional titles and advancing to the state semifinals, a testament to Haywood’s enduring influence on the program.

A visitation for Coach Haywood is planned for Saturday from 3-8 p.m. at the Belmont High School auditorium, followed by a funeral on Sunday at noon in the school’s gymnasium. He will be remembered not only for his coaching prowess but also for the unparalleled impact he had on young lives in Kentucky.