Booker High dismisses athletic director, football coach

Carlos Woods has been dismissed as Booker High School's athletic director and football coach, he confirmed via text to the Observer on Friday morning.

The Tornadoes will now have a third football coach in as many seasons this fall, with less than a month to select Woods' successor before the season begins.

Last season was Woods' first as coach of the Tornadoes following the resignation of former coach and athletic director Scottie Littles in April 2025. Littles steered the program for three seasons.

In 2025, Woods guided Booker to the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals and a 12-2 record. It was the program's third consecutive trip to the state semifinals.

Woods served as the defensive coordinator from 2022-24. Before joining the Tornadoes, he worked for the Cincinnati Bengals as an assistant strength and conditioning coach and coaching assistant from 2009-11.

He also owns a Super Bowl XLI championship ring from his time with the Indianapolis Colts as a scouting assistant, defensive quality control coach and administrative assistant from 2006-08.

Angie Byrd, Booker's girls volleyball coach and the former assistant athletic director, will serve as athletic director moving forward. No interim football coach has been named at this time.

Non-contact practice can begin as early as July 27 followed by contact practice Aug. 1. Booker will host four-time state champion Venice in its season opener at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21.