Baker, who was the Eagles’ running game coordinator and offensive line coach last season, was introduced at a press conference at Tine Davis Gymnasium with Faulkner faculty staff and students joining local media outlets for the announcement. He replaces Jim Nichols, who resigned following the 2008 season – Faulkner’s second of intercollegiate competition.
“This is a dream come true for me,’’ Baker said. “I’m excited about this opportunity. I’m looking forward to leading this program and honoring this university.’’
Baker was an all-city, all-state and All-American selection at Carver High School in Montgomery in 1985. He received a football scholarship at Georgia Tech, where he played for Bill Curry. He spent time as an assistant coach at the high school level at both Jeff Davis and Prattville and was named the head coach at Alabama Christian Academy in 2006. He spend two years there before joining the Faulkner staff in February of 2008.
A committee put together by Hilyer and Faulkner athletic director Brent Barker conducted a national search for the new head coach, reviewing over 100 applications for the job. Nine finalists, which included current college coaches from all levels, were then invited to the campus to be interviewed.
Baker was an all-city, all-state and All-American selection at Carver High School in Montgomery in 1985. He received a football scholarship at Georgia Tech, where he played for Bill Curry. He spent time as an assistant coach at the high school level at both Jeff Davis and Prattville and was named the head coach at Alabama Christian Academy in 2006. He spend two years there before joining the Faulkner staff in February of 2008.
A committee put together by Hilyer and Faulkner athletic director Brent Barker conducted a national search for the new head coach, reviewing over 100 applications for the job. Nine finalists, which included current college coaches from all levels, were then invited to the campus to be interviewed. 
“After interviewing a number of candidates for the job, the committee and I decided there were none better than our own Gregg Baker and with him we have the advantage of some continuity in the program,’’ Hilyer said. “Gregg is very much respected by players and his fellow coaches.’’ Barker said he and the committee were impressed with each candidate, but agreed that Baker quickly emerged as the top choice.
“Gregg has a great reputation around the state of Alabama as an excellent football coach and it became apparent during the process that he was the guy we wanted to lead our program,’’ Barker said. “He is well respected by our faculty and administration, and I think our team is excited to have Gregg as its head coach.’’
**Artical from the Faulkner Sports Information Department***
