“This morning, I accepted the resignation of Coach Teddy Pettigrew from his position as head football coach at Milan High School. I know that Coach Teddy loves Milan and Bulldog football. He has been a valuable asset to our football staff for 16 years and we are grateful for the impact and personal investments he has made in young men over that time,” Scott wrote.

Coach Pettigrew said it was clear to him that race played a role in the decision to remove him as Milan’s coach.

“They should have never hired me if they weren’t going to give me a fair chance,” Pettigrew said.

“When I took the job I knew in my heart they would fire me if I didn’t win a state championship in two years. If I was a white coach, I wouldn’t be getting fired.

“I did the best I could do with what I inherited. I feel like because we’re building a new stadium, they didn’t want a black coach leading the program. But that’s who I am. I’m an African American and because of that I was expendable.”

Pettigrew broke the news to his team Monday afternoon.

“This is my dream job but I was forced to resign this morning,” Pettigrew said to his team. “This is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do. You guys are like sons to me and I hope and pray that each of you find success in your future.”

Pettigrew said he’ll be coaching again very soon.

“I’ve probably got text messages from 10 different head coaches this morning asking me to come coach on their staff.  I’m not through coaching,” he said.

Mr. Scott said a search for a new coach would begin immediately.

“From this point, I will begin the process to find the next leader of what we all know to be the premier football program in West Tennessee.

As always, we want someone who can lead our young men on and off the field and teach integrity, discipline, and hard work in the pursuit of excellence. The Bulldogs that have come before and all of Bulldog Nation deserve nothing less.”

(PHOTO: Teddy Pettigrew – courtesy Victor Parkins, The Mirror-Exchange, Milan)