Former ACA Football Standout, Coach Found Safe After Being Reported Missing

UPDATE: The Walton County Sheriff's Office says Chris Smelley was found by the United States Coast Guard and is safe.

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Deputies in Walton County, Florida, say former American Christian Academy head football coach Chris Smelley has been reported missing during a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office says Smelley, 37, went fishing in his blue and black kayak around 8:30 a.m. Thursday and has not returned.

Deputies and the South Walton Fire District currently have jet skis in the water off of Grayton Beach as the search effort moves forward.

Additionally, the sheriff's office says the United States Coast Guard out of Mobile has been notified, while Florida Fish and Wildlife have launched from the Inlet at Destin Pass, heading east towards Grayton.

As Patch reported in early 2023, Smelley was hired by Sylacauga High School as its next head football coach.

From 2014-2020, Smelley led the ACA Patriots to three consecutive state quarterfinal appearances and a state semifinal appearance in 2020. Over this time, his teams won three consecutive region titles and averaged over 35 points per game.

After leaving ACA, Smelley was hired as quarterbacks coach at 7A Hoover High School for the 2022 season.

Smelley played quarterback for legendary coach Steve Spurrier at South Carolina and started his career as an assistant at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, before returning to ACA as its offensive coordinator in 2012.

Those with any information as to Smelley's whereabouts are asked to call (850)-892-8111.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com