James Clemens head football coach retires from coaching

MADISON – Upon his hire in 2021 as head coach of the James Clemens football program, Chad McGehee stated he looked at the stop in Madison would his last stop in his educational career. His words still radiate and have held true as he has retired from coaching in a decision he announced early today.

“The coach’s journey comes to an end for every coach, and my wife, Amy, and I discussed the situation during this latest season, and we knew it was time,” said McGehee, in a one-on-one interview with the Madison Record. “I started in football at age 12 and have been on the field in some capacity ever since and being a coach is very consuming of your time and there are numerous things in our lives you miss out on.”

The 48-year-old McGehee is still young compared to many head coaches in high school football, but six years as a head coach he thought was enough as he wanted to spend more time with his family, which includes two sons, Clayton, a sophomore at James Clemens, and Bret, a sophomore at the University of Alabama.

McGehee spent two seasons at Elkmont as head coach in 2005 and 2006 where he was 9-11. He came to James Clemens in 2021 where over four seasons he posted a 27-16 overall record and 22-6 in Region play. In his first season, McGehee led the Jets to an undefeated (10-0) regular season, but slipped up in the first round of the AHSAA Class 7A State Playoffs. Overall in coaching, he has been on the sidelines in some capacity for 26 years.

“The coaching position takes a lot of time, and I have missed out on various life’s events,” added McGehee. “Me and my family have enjoyed a lot of unique opportunities during this travel. My parents, who live about three hours away, are still around and I want to spend more time with them.”

McGehee will remain in his teaching position in physical education and said he was not recommending anyone to fill his position. He said, “I will let the school work on that. My journey has come to an end.”