Tyree steps down
- Updated: January 31, 2023
Chandler Tyree steps down after four seasons as White Plains football coach, cites a desire to spend more time with family
By Al Muskewitz
East Alabama Sports Today
After four season trying to take the White Plains football program to the next level and having success in some areas, Chandler Tyree abruptly stepped down Tuesday morning, citing a desire to spend more time with family.
Tyree made his announcement on social media after meeting with White Plains principal Andy Ward Monday afternoon and informing his players Tuesday morning as opposed to waiting until the end of the day. Ward confirmed the decision to step down was “100 percent” voluntarily the coach’s.
“It’s something I’ve been praying about since football season got over with just trying to kind of press forward,” Tyree said. “I just feel like personally this is the best decision for me.
“I don’t have any other opportunities lined up right now. For me, being a dad and being there with my family has become more important than the time that it takes to be a head football coach. For me and for this program I felt like it was best decision to be made.”
Tyree took a program in 2019 that hadn’t won more than two games in any of the previous five seasons and won at least three each of his first three seasons. He won his first game as a head coach, beating Vincent 42-12, and the season opener three of his four years. His overall record was 12-28.
He and his wife, Haleigh, have a son, Gray, who just turned 6 and is just starting to get involved in youth sports. He will remain as an assistant baseball coach and teacher at the school through the spring.
“I’m just trying to spend some time with my family and see what door God opens up next,” Tyree said. “Being a dad is super important for me … This doesn’t have anything to do with anybody or anything here other than I just felt like it was time for me to move on and love on my family for a little bit and see what door God opens up next for me.
“It’s been four really good years here and four years of me being able to grow up. We’ve been able to improve some of our facilities and I hope I have left it better than I found it. The biggest thing is impacting kids. I hope I’ve been able to do that. I know there are going to be some hurt feelings right now, but like I told the guys not one person is bigger than the football program even if I’m that one person.”
Unlike previous transitions, the Wildcats have time on their side. They will name an interim head coach in the coming weeks and then open the search for a permanent choice.
“Time is going to be our friend in this situation in choosing the person we feel like will be the very best head football coach for our students and community, and that’s the most important thing,” Ward said.
Tyree said he trusted the leaders of the school and the school system will find “the right person to lead our football program and try to continue to build on some of the things we started.” Ward said one of the key qualities in a new coach will be an ability to motivate.
“One of the main things we’re going to have to have is a motivator, a guy who is willing to come in here and invest a lot of time in motivating and exciting these kids to the level of wanting to get out on the field and play so we can change the culture and win football games,” Ward said. “You’re going to have to have a guy who’s energetic and brings a lot of energy in order to do that.
“I think we have a lot of students at White Plains High that should be playing football who are not playing and we’ve got to get that guy in here, whoever that may be, that is going to beat the halls and get out in the community and persuade people this is what we’re going to do: We’re going to work hard, but we’re going to have fun doing it.”
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