Wade Comer leaves McKenzie after 23 seasons, takes over as Milan football coach

Milan has its new head football coach, and he's a familiar face in West Tennessee.

Wade Comer, who is leaving McKenzie after 23 seasons, was announced as the coach on Tuesday; the school shared the hiring on social media.

Comer takes over the job at Milan less than two weeks after Derek Carr left the program after two seasons to take over at Lexington.

"The community, the fans, they love Milan football," Comer said. "This is not a one-hit wonder program, they've been doing it for over 40 or 50 years at a high level. The expectations are high. I embrace those challenges and look forward to getting up there with the kids and getting started."

When the job became available, Comer said he was contacted by Milan. He already had some connections at the school, including principal Jennifer Yates. The two worked together for 18 years.

"I had a good relationship with her, and then we communicated in the interview process," Comer said. "It's always been a job I've had on the back burner. It's the premier job, in my opinion, in West Tennessee. When I got the I got offered the job, I couldn't turn it down."

In 24 seasons under Comer, the Rebels went 207-94 and won a state championship in four BlueCross Bowl appearances under Comer.

The Rebels went 13-2 in 2023 and made an appearance in the BlueCross Bowl, losing to South Pittsburg 14-7 in the title game.

Milan went 9-3 under Carr and lost in the second round of the TSSAA playoffs to Huntingdon 49-20.

Comer said he feels mixed emotions in leaving McKenzie. He's excited for the new opportunity at Milan. Meanwhile, he appreciates the relationships he made during his 24 seasons.

More:Lexington football hires Milan coach Derek Carr to take over program

"I had a tremendous opportunity at McKenzie," Comer said. "I want to thank McKenzie for all their support over the years and everything they've done for me and my family. I've got nothing but love for them. ... They always have a place in my heart. All the players that played for me, they know they can reach out and I'm there with them.

"I told the kids that I'm going to coach where my feet are," Comer added. "They've got goals and we're not going to put them to the wayside. ... McKenzie is in good shape. They've got a lot of kids coming back and should make a deep run. But now, I've got to get focused on the task at hand."