Former UNA offensive coordinator Cody Gross is heading back to the high school ranks.

The Athens school board unanimously approved Gross to be the next head coach at Athens High School. Gross, who spent five years at UNA under Bobby Wallace, replaces Allen Creasy, who retired after the 2015 season.

Gross previously worked under Creasy at Athens from 2003-06 as the offensive coordinator, and he helped the Golden Eagles win the AHSAA Class 5A state championship in his last season.

As a head coach on the high school level, Gross owns a 27-22 record in stints with Colbert County and Wilson. Gross holds a 6-3 postseason record as a head coach (all with Colbert County). In 2011, Gross finished 1-9 at Wilson in his only year before taking the UNA offensive coordinator position.

Gross played his college career for the Lions from 1992-95, leading the team to three consecutive national championships in his final three years.

As for UNA, the team begins spring training Feb. 22.