Birmingham Bears Appoint Defensive Expert Eric Phillips as Head Football Coach

Birmingham, Alabama / CRWE PRESS RELEASE / January 27, 2026 — The National Junior College Prep (NJCP) Football League has officially named Birmingham native Eric Phillips as the Head Football Coach of the Birmingham Bears. The appointment establishes a premier developmental landing spot for high school graduates and transfer portal athletes in the greater Birmingham area who are ready to get back on the recruiting radar and earn their place in junior college football.

Coach Phillips brings a professional-standard mindset rooted in his own journey as a scholarship athlete. A standout at Wenonah High School under the legendary coach Ronald Cheatham, Phillips earned a scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he lettered throughout his career and earned a degree in Sport Administration and Business. His transition to the professional ranks included two seasons in arena football, providing him with firsthand insight into the speed and technique required to compete at the highest levels of football.

With over a decade of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels, Phillips has built a reputation as a defensive specialist. He has successfully developed multiple All-State athletes across the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary, helping players secure Division I and Division II scholarships. His coaching resume is highlighted by an SIAC Championship and deep playoff runs at both levels. Having mentored athletes to All-American and Legacy Bowl honors, with several even moving on to NFL rosters, Coach Phillips understands exactly what it takes for his players to get recruited and signed.

Coach Phillips knows that the grind doesn't stop at the sideline. A broker in the financial services industry, Phillips also intentionally prepares his athletes for life beyond football by equipping them with the financial literacy to manage their wins off the field. This faith-based, holistic approach ensures that every player leaves the program as a disciplined leader, ready to make a lasting impact in their homes and throughout Birmingham.

NJCP football tryouts and registration for the Birmingham Bears are now officially open. Athletes in Alabama ready to work under an NFL-caliber staff and claim their recruitment momentum are encouraged to visit the league website for enrollment and location details.

About NJCP Football League: The National Junior College Prep Football League is a nationwide developmental organization focused on preparing student-athletes for success on and off the field. NJCP provides structured opportunities for high school graduates, transfer portal athletes, and overlooked players to continue competing while receiving coaching, mentorship, and exposure to collegiate programs. The league emphasizes accountability, education, leadership, and community service as core pillars of athlete development. For more information, please visit www.njcpfootball.com.