Billups is interim coach at academy

Gex Billups will begin his tenure as Escambia Academy's interim head football coach Friday when the Cougars host Valiant Cross Academy in a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Billups replaces Coach Brandon Wilcox who resigned as the head coach after coaching three games in his first year at E.A.

Escambia Academy Headmaster Susan Kirk said earlier this week that Wilcox was no longer associated with the school. Kirk added that it was a mutual decision between the school and Wilcox and "we wish him the best in his future endeavors".

Billups served as the defensive coordinator under Wilcox this season. Wilcox coached at W.S. Neal High School last year and moved to Escambia Academy this season to replace Hugh Fountain, who was named head football coach at W.S. Neal.

In addition to naming Billups as the interim head coach, Cassidy Murphy has been named athletic director of E.A.'s athletics.