CHANDLER, Ariz. — There was a major shakeup in Arizona high school football on Monday as Chandler High School announced that head football coach Rick Garretson is retiring, effective immediately.
In a press release, the school said Garretson will stay on staff as a physical education teacher until the end of school year and that he will assist with the transition after a new head football coach is hired.
"Coach Garretson would like to express his gratitude for the support, guidance, and opportunities from his players past and present, his coaching staff, his teaching colleagues, and the Administration at both Chandler High School and the Chandler District Office," the press release reads. "It has been a pleasure collaborating with a team so dedicated to seeing the football program thrive and succeed. He would also like to thank the Chandler Community for the numerous ways they have supported the Football program over the years."
Garretson has been at Chandler for 14 years, originally joining the team as a wide receivers coach on Jim Ewan's staff in 2010. When Shaun Aguano took over the program in 2012, Garretson stayed on staff as the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. Garretson took over as Chandler's head coach in 2019 after Aguano left to join the staff at ASU.
Garretson led the Wolves to Open state championships in 2019 and 2020 and an appearance in the Open Division championship game in 2021. He was also on staffs that won 6A state championships in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and a Division I state championship in 2014.
Notable players Garretson coached while with the Wolves include Brett Hundley, Bryce Perkins, N'Keal Harry, Chase Lucas, Gunner Romney, Tate Romney, Cash Peterman, Brayden Liebrock, Jacob Conover, DeCarlos Brooks, Mikey Keene, Dylan Raiola, Gunner Maldonado, Brandon Buckner, Kyion Grayes, Nason Coleman, Blaine Hipa, Isaiah Johnson, Franky Morales, A'Mauri Washington, Ca'Lil Valentine, Sammie Hunter, Eli Sanders and Kennedy Urlacher.
Garretson was also named the Friday Night Fever Coach of the Year in 2020.
The Wolves' season came to an end last Friday when they were eliminated from the 6A playoffs in the first round.
Chandler High School says they will begin their search for a new head football coach after Thanksgiving.
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