Opelika’s Nick Richardson leaves to take job at alma mater

Opelika High School’s Nick Richardson is leaving after two seasons to take a job at his alma mater, Tuscaloosa County High School.

Prior to joining Opelika in June 2016, Richardson spent six seasons as the head baseball coach at Bibb County, where he compiled a 122-83-1 overall record.

During his 2-year stint at the helm of Opelika’s baseball program, Richardson compiled 50-32 overall record, and led his teams to back-to-back second-round appearances in the AHSAA 6A State Playoffs.

Leaving Opelika was a difficult decision, but one made out of a desire to be closer to family, according to Richardson.

“It was an opportunity to get back home, and be around my parents and wife’s parents. Tuscaloosa County is also my alma mater and it’s a great opportunity,” Richardson said. “ It’s tough to leave the Opelika family but it’s about getting back closer to family and back home, which is very important to us.”

Richardson inherits a Wildcats baseball program that has struggled in recent years. Since 2014, Tuscaloosa County has suffered 5-straight losing seasons and posted a 38-106-1 record.

For more information or updates on the coaching search, visit www.opelikaschools.org.