MADISON, Ala. — After 26 years in coaching, Chad McGehee has announced his retirement. McGehee, 48, has been the head coach at James Clemens High School since 2021, leading the Jets to a 27-16 record over the past four seasons.
Prior to his head coaching tenure in Madison, McGehee was an assistant coach for 17 years and a head coach for 4 years at other Alabama high schools. As a player, he was a standout safety and wide receiver at Southside-Gadsden High School before playing in the defensive backfield for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1995-98.
In his retirement announcement, McGehee expressed gratitude to the administrators, coaches, and players he has worked with over the years.
"I am grateful to James Clemens for the past four years. I want to thank Dr. Ed Nichols and Mr. Eric Terrell for the opportunity," he said.
McGehee credited the relationships he built as a coach as the greatest reward of his career.
"To all the players I've coached through the years I am grateful to have been a small part of your life," he wrote.
He also thanked his wife Amy for her support and noted that his two sons were able to grow up on the sidelines, gaining valuable life lessons.
While stepping away from coaching will be difficult, McGehee said he looks forward to what lies ahead.
"As hard as it is to step away I believe as a coach you know when it's your time and I look forward to embracing the next chapter in our journey."
