In November, Richie Busby led Fultondale to its first undefeated regular season since 1976. Now, a little over two months later, he’s leaving for a Class 6A job.

Busby has been approved by the Shelby County School Board to be the next head football coach at Helena High School. He led Fultondale to an overall record of 40-17, including a region mark of 25-6 in his five seasons at the wheel.

Busby makes this move following his second straight Class 3A, Region 6 championship.

His predecessor, Watt Parker, led Helena through its first four seasons of existence, compiling an overall record of 18-25 to go with a pair of playoff appearances. However, Parker managed only one win in 2017, as the Huskies finished sixth in Class 6A, Region 3.

Busby led the 2017 Wildcats to an 11-1 season that ended with a No. 4-ranking in the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll. Fultondale eventually fell to No. 3 Randolph County 35-28 in the second round of the state playoffs.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.