How can Teddy Pettigrew replace legendary Milan football coach Jeff Morris? Win state titles

MILAN — It’s never easy replacing a legend.

That’s what Teddy Pettigrew is tasked with. When Milan coach Jeff Morris announced he was retiring, the search for his successor was on.

It ended with Pettigrew in January when he was promoted from defensive coordinator. Since he's been hired, Pettigrew has gotten more attention, especially from the community. 

"I'm taking to people that I've never talked to before or don't usually talk to on a day-to-day basis," he said. "That comes with the territory."

Milan arguably has the most history of any program in rural West Tennessee. Morris won two state championships during a 22-year career with the Bulldogs.

When Pettigrew was a coordinator, his defenses were routinely some of the best in the area. Now, Pettigrew is looking to put his own stamp on the program as the head coach. 

“I’m not looking to replace coach Morris. I’m just looking to make sure this program wins state championships,” Pettigrew said. “This is a historical program. Four state championships, five runner-ups. The city has made it very clear that they want championships. … And anything besides a championship is not accepted.”

Pettigrew, 46, is from Milan.

He played under John Tucker and graduated in 1991. This will be Pettigrew’s 15th year coaching in some capacity with the Bulldogs. There were plenty of times he could’ve left.

Pettigrew has said he was offered other jobs but decided to stick around. He worked his way up through the Milan school system.

“Teddy started as a middle school assistant coach for us,” Morris said. “Came up as a ninth-grade coach for us, got elevated to varsity assistant and then a varsity coordinator. He did that just being a good football coach, good worker, good man.”

Pettigrew always tried to build a rapport with everyone involved in the program.

“He always did more than what was asked of him,” Morris said. “Great handler of our kids off the field. He would try to pursue the kids and the great relationships in our community. Just invaluable to me in the time that we had him. Invaluable to the program.”

As Milan has finished spring practice and summer workouts, Pettigrew is still evaluating everything from players to the staff. He said he still has a little bit of the shock factor since being named the head coach. But he wouldn’t change anything.

“This is where God has placed me,” he said. “I know I'm supposed to be here. Milan is home. That's what is so wonderful about it. It's home.”

MORE: Jeff Morris retiring after 22 years as Milan Bulldogs coach. 

MORE: Milan hires defenisve coordinator Teddy Pettigrew as new head football coach. 

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