E.A. Sports Today

Wildcats to tap Tyree

Former Munford defensive coordinator Chandler Tyree said to be White Plains’ recommendation for head football coach

By Al Muskewitz
East Alabama Sports Today

An anxious week for the White Plains athletics program appears close to reaching a conclusion as former Munford assistant Chandler Tyree will be recommended to Calhoun County schools superintendent Donald Turner and the full board Thursday for consideration as the Wildcats’ head football coach, East Alabama Sports Today has learned.

White Plains principal Andy Ward declined to confirm the anticipated recommendation. Tyree had been rumored to be under consideration for the job and earlier Wednesday told EA Sports Today White Plains “would be a great place to be. Great school and community.” He couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday night.

If approved by the board Tyree would become a head football coach for the first time. He was defensive coordinator at Munford and head baseball coach there before leaving to become full-time associate pastor and student minister at Antioch Baptist Church in Oxford. He was an assistant baseball coach at Oxford before going to Munford.

A second candidate needed to be considered for the vacancy after former Talladega head coach Ted Darby didn’t garner enough votes from the county board, a decision that was met with outrage on social media.

Darby, a tenured teacher, lost his coaching position at Talladega the next day. White Plains lost the physical education teacher slot that had been advertised and was replaced by a history opening, which prompted a new posting. Tyree became even more appealing as a candidate because he is a history teacher.

The posting closed at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Ward was said to be interviewing candidates through the early evening. The county board meets Thursday at 3 p.m.

Tyree, if approved, will replace Chris White, who stepped down after four seasons to take an assistant’s position at Handley. The new coach won’t have much time to rest. The Calhoun County Football Media Day is Friday, practice starts Aug. 5 and the Wildcats’ first game is Aug. 23 against Vincent.

The new White Plains coach is scheduled to be joined at the Media Day by senior running back Jaden Harris and senior linebacker/tight end Ethan Bozarth.

This story will be updated.

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