By MIKE HUTCHENS
Messenger Sports Editor
Kelly Spivey is going home.
The former South Fulton head football coach who resigned those duties last November has been hired as the defensive coordinator at his alma mater in McKenzie.
Spivey, who also serves as assistant principal at South Fulton Middle/High School, will finish out the current school year with his administration duties before becoming a history teacher and assistant coach to Wade Comer with the Rebels.
“The lure of going back home and to a place where I know that football is a high priority in the community were the two major things to help me to make the decision,” Spivey told The Messenger. “Tradition is big to me. That the program in McKenzie has always been important to the town and will continue to be was huge.
“Family is important, too. My parents and my brother are still in McKenzie, and my son will get to play with my brother’s son. That’s a great memory for me, that I got to play with my brother growing up.”
Spivey posted a 25-29 record in five seasons at the Red Devil helm. He took SF to the playoffs three times during that tenure, but resigned at the conclusion of the 2012 campaign — his worst record-wise at 3-7 — saying he’d “lost the enjoyment of being a head coach.”
The South Fulton job was his first as a head coach. He’s previously spent several seasons as a highly-regarded defensive coordinator on the staff of Bobby Sharp at Lewis County High School.
“Nobody knows — unless they’ve had a head coaching job — all the responsibilities that go into that position,” Spivey said. “I’m excited about going back to being a defensive coordinator and getting to spend more time coaching kids.
“Even though I had that responsibility at South Fulton, I don’t feel like I ever got to wrap my arms around it. I have my fire back and know I’ll truly enjoy what I’m going to be doing.”
Longtime Rebel defensive coordinator Randy Thomas will give up those duties upon Spivey’s arrival, but will remain as an assistant on Comer’s staff.
Spivey, a running back during his McKenzie playing days, will coach that position on offense in addition to his defensive duties.
“I played for Coach Thomas my senior year and have always had a great deal of respect for him,” Spivey said. “That he is OK with this move was important to me.
“It is the third time I’ve talked to Wade (Comer) about a spot on his staff and the second time he’s offered me a job. I guess the third time’s the charm.”
The now-ex SF skipper said he’ll count his Red Devil days as a positive experience.
“It’s been wonderful ... I’ve met so many people and formed some long-lasting relationships,” Spivey concluded. “I’m so thankful to the Obion County School System for giving me the opportunity and I’ll leave with some great memories.”
Eric Knott, an assistant on the South Fulton staff during Spivey’s time as head coach, was elevated to head the program in December.
Sports editor Mike Hutchens can be contacted by e-mail at mhutch@ucmessenger.com.

Published in The Messenger 2.18.13