Belfry, Kentucky, Philip Haywood tragically lost his life at the age of 73, suffering injuries in a car accident. His accident occurred on Saturday, and he passed away at the University of Kentucky Hospital on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
His wife, Linda Daugherty, two daughters, Melissa and Jacquelyn, and three grandchildren survive him.
Highlights
- Philip Haywood was Kentucky’s all-time winningest coach who tragically passed away on January 22, 2025.
- He married Linda Daugherty and welcomed two daughters. Melissa and Jacquelyn Haywood.
- He began coaching in 1972 at Tates Creek High School and served 50 seasons at Belfry High School.
Philip Haywood was a legendary high school football coach in Kentucky who served 50 seasons as the head coach at Belfry High School.
He was known for his dedication to his players and commitment to shaping young men of character, both on and off the field. He had an impressive career record of 491-160 and led Belfry to eight state championships.
Philip was a great football coach and a better man, eager to help the young coaches. Moreover, he was named The Courier Journal’s High School Football Coach of the Year five times.
A discussion of Kentucky high school football is incomplete without mentioning his name. His victories are the most in the state’s rich history.
He was known for his integrity, leadership, kindness, and Christian values, and he touched the lives of countless players, coaches, and communities.
Philip Haywood’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
John Flavell Philip Haywood often spoke about how his family has been a significant source of support throughout his coaching career.
He married Linda Daugherty and welcomed two daughters, Melissa and Jacquelyn. Moreover, he was a grandfather to three grandkids.
Although the married couple spent several decades together, they haven’t talked much about their personal lives with the tabloids.
Linda has been a pillar of strength for the head coach, especially during his long and successful career. His strong family bond undoubtedly contributed to his achievements.
Unfortunately, Philip’s vehicle entered a creek after hitting black ice Saturday morning in Pike Country.
Melissa posted a heartfelt video on social media and highlighted his condition, sharing two punctured lungs, a hematoma on the brain, and a cervical fracture.
Sadly, Matt Varney, Belfry athletics director, confirmed his demise. His friends and family remember him in numerous tribute posts as he was one of the beloved figures in Kentucky football communities.
I just heard about the passing of longtime Belfry football coach Philip Haywood and my thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew him. He was a legendary coach and a great man.
Mark Stoops
Philip Haywood Was Kentucky’s All-time Winningest Coach
The state of Kentucky lost its high school football legend due to severe injuries from a car accident. He was a beloved figure whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
His demise deeply affected the Belfry and Kentucky high school football communities.
Philip began coaching at Tates Creek High School in 1972. His first paid coaching job was at Meade County under Jim DeVries.
Later, he coached at his alma mater, Prestonsburg High School, for nine seasons at the beginning of 1975, followed by Belfry High School in 1984.
He led Belfry Pirates to eight state titles in 2003, 2004, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Philip Haywood’s legacy isn’t that he was a giant among coaches with his 491 victories. His legacy is that he mentored thousands of young men and preached to them that faith and family always came before football. That was the life he led.
Mike Fields
Philip was named USA Today’s Best High School Football Coach in America in 2013. Likewise, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association named him the national football coach of the year in 2017.
Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame and National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame inducted him in 2016.
Furthermore, he often deflected credit from himself on every occasion.
I’m getting all this publicity, but I have to give credit to all kinds of people. We started selling sweatshirts this week that say ‘Faith, Family, Football.’ That’s our community. That’s what we believe in.
Philip Haywood
Additional Information
- Philip Haywood’s autobiography, Faith, Family, and Football, was published on December 23, 2014, and Climb The Mountain on May 17, 2023.
- His friend, Roy Walton, whom he met at Tates Creek, was his most outstanding mentor and a second father to him.
- He served as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader at Belfry for over 25 years and was a youth leader at his church who often spoke regularly.
