Alabama high school head coach missing off the coast of Florida (Update: Found safe)

Update: Smelley was found safe, says the US Coast Guard.

Authorities searching for Sylacauga (Ala.) High School head coach Chris Smelley after he did not return from a fishing expedition.

Smelley, 37, was last seen going fishing in a kayak off Grayton Beach, Fla., on Thursday morning and has not returned. 

The Walton County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office is actively searching for Smelley, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Department and the US Coast Guard have been notified, according to AL.com. 

Smelley played quarterback under Steve Spurrier at South Carolina from 2006-08 but finished his career playing baseball at Alabama. 

He started coaching at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa before returning to his alma mater, American Christian Academy, in Tuscaloosa. Smelley eventually became the head coach at ACA, going 65-21 with six playoff berths in seven seasons. 

Smelley spent 2021 out of football before serving as quarterbacks coach at Hoover High School in 2022, then took the Sylacuaga job in 2023.

“We are super excited,” said after taking the job. 

“My wife and kids are excited. We’ve been down to Sylacauga. It’s a neat place. One thing that jumped out at me was the pride the people have there and the community involvement. You can see the pieces there for it to be a very successful program.”

Anyone who spots Smelley is asked to call 850-892-8111.