Longtime USJ head football coach asked to step down

JACKSON, Tenn. — A longtime high school football coach — sometimes called the “Godfather” of West Tennessee varsity football — has been asked to step down.

Mickey Marley, head football coach for the Bruins at University School of Jackson, confirms he has been asked to step down after 27 years with the school. School officials say he has been offered a contract to return to the school as a teacher.

“This is a business. I understand that. People don’t think high school football is a business but it is,” Marley tells WBBJ 7 Eyewitness Sports. “I’ve had a great run here. My wife teaches here. My daughter graduated from here. I’ve personally have really enjoyed coaching football here.”

Marley has been on the Bruins’ sidelines for nearly three decades. The school called Monday’s announcement “difficult.”

“I wish to thank Coach Marley for his commitment to the USJ football program over the past 28 years,” Stuart Hirstein, USJ head of school, states in a release. “At this time, a decision has been made to go in a different direction with the football program. Ultimately, we felt this decision was in the best interest of our football program and a change in vision and philosophy was needed. This decision was difficult because of the man Coach Marley is and what he has meant to USJ.”

This isn’t Marley’s final chapter as a coach. He’s open to going anywhere.

“I have grandsons in Memphis and family in Middle Tennessee,” Marley said about coaching outside of West Tennessee. “Last time I checked there are other states in the United States.”

The school’s athletic director, Jody Evans, said the school is taking their time to replace the veteran coach.

“We’re in no hurry,” Evans said. “We’re in the holiday season. We have plenty of time.”

Evans said the school will be accepting resumes over the next three or four weeks.