Teli White leaving state football champ Trezevant to coach Melrose

Arguably the most successful football coach in Shelby County is joining forces with one of the area's tradition-rich programs.

Teli White — who guided Trezevant to Class 2A state championships in 2015 and 2016 — confirmed to The Commercial Appeal Tuesday that he will coach Melrose next season. White will replace Chester Ford, who led the Golden Wildcats to a 10-12 record in two seasons. Melrose finished 3-7 last year and missed the 3A playoffs.

"I'm excited about joining the Melrose staff next year and adding to their legacy of athletic excellence," White said.

Trezevant made history in December when it defeated Marion County 42-20 in the state title game to become the first SCIAA school to win back-to-back football championships. The result was a satisfying end to what was a times a tumultuous 10-5 season.

The Bears were forced to forfeit early season victories over KIPP and Martin Luther King Prep as well as a Sept. 29 game against MAHS while the school was investigated for alleged grade discrepancies involving football players. The football program was eventually cleared and allowed to resume its season while White served a five-day suspension.

In addition to winning two titles in 2A, White led the Bears to 4A championship game appearances in 2010 and 2014. He has a 91-38 record in 10 seasons.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas