By Ronnie Gallagher
rgallagher@salisburypost.com
GRANITE QUARRY — Chad Tedder’s first opportunity at being a head coach has ended after two seasons. He resigned as East Rowan football coach but wants to make one thing perfectly clear.
“It’s not because of the record and it’s not because of the kids. It’s what is best for me and my family and what’s best for the East Rowan family.”
Tedder is the fifth coach in the last few years to part with the Mustangs. Tom Eanes, Rick Mazza, Jim Crawley, Brian Hinson and now Tedder have come and gone quickly. Tom Eanes, Rick Mazza, Jim Crawley, Brian Hinson and now Tedder have come and gone quickly.
Tedder is the latest, but he has landed on his feet. He leaves East Rowan Jan. 2 and will move right into a job at Central Davidson. He’ll teach P.E. and weightlifting and will be an assistant on the defensive side of the ball for Brad Morton.
“I was very fortunate that there was a position open,” Tedder said. “I walk right in and go as soon as possible.”
Morton has just a couple of years before retirement and Tedder was asked if he might get his second opportunity to be a head coach.
“He’s got another year or two retirement-wise so we’ll see about being a head coach.” Tedder said. “I think, eventually, that’s what they want to do. I’ll have to see how well I do and how much I blend into the community.”
Before coming to East, Tedder was the highly respected defensive coordinator at West Davidson under Barry Mitchem and Dale Barnes. Tedder still lives in the West Davidson area (Churchland) but he’s now going to be going against Barnes wearing the red and silver.
“That was a big rival,” Tedder said. “But I have the opportunity to get in there and be there in the spring. It also opens up this position so whoever comes in can work with the kids. I’ve talked to Coach Morton. Defensive coordinator is kinda up in the air, but I have a feeling it will be on the defensive side of the ball. That’s where I’m more comfortable.”
Tedder had a great start to his head coaching career in 2010. His Mustangs fought back from a 20-0 deficit to North and won 21-20. East won only two more games during his two-year tenure, both against South Rowan, He finished with a 3-18 record, but enjoyed being a part of the North Piedmont Conference.
“We had a tough conference and a tough schedule,” Tedder said. “I learned a lot.”
He was expecting better results than the 1-9 this past season.
“The thing I’ll remember is how hard the kids worked in the spring and the summer,” Tedder said. “We had 20 to 25 in the spring and 50 to 55 in the summer.”
Opposing coaches noticed.
“I had a couple of coaches come up to me and say, these kids were one of the best technique teams and played harder than anybody they played on their schedule,” Tedder said. “To me, that says a lot about these kids. (The record) is not the kids’ fault. They’ve done everything they can.”
East’s new coach will greet nine returning starters on defense and six on offense.
Tedder’s last win was against South in the ninth game of 2011. The Mustangs then lost their finale to Statesville.
“After Statesville, and after the bye week, I expected to be here,” Tedder said. “I want to make it plain and clear, the reasons (for resigning) are not because of the kids and not because of going 2-9 and 1-9. It’s more of what’s best for me and my family.”
He’ll still be close enough to keep an eye on his former players.
“I wish them the best of luck,” Tedder said, “and I’ll be their fan.”