Due to client demand for his business in the East Valley, Chad Mitton is leaving American Leadership West Foothills in Waddell.
Chad Mitton says he is stepping away from coaching high school football this year as he moves his financial advisor business from the West Valley to the East Valley due to client demand.
Mitton quickly turned ALA Foothills' football program into a powerhouse, reaching the 3A state final last year, before losing its only game to Tucson Pusch Ridge Academy, 26-7. ALA West played without powerful running back/edge rusher J.J. Brutus, who suffered a broken leg in the semifinals.
Mitton said his son, quarterback Hudson, also is leaving ALA West Foothills in Waddell, but Chad said he wasn't ready to say what high school he'll be attending in the fall.
ALA West Foothills school administrators have not returned messages from The Republic, regarding the coaching situation. The Arizona Interscholastic Association's website has Bryan Rauzan listed as the school's head football coach.
Mitton runs a financial advisory business, but he said the majority of his clients are in the East Valley.
"I have to move to the East Valley right now for my business," Mitton said. "High school football coaching was always kind of a hobby. My business has gotten to the point where I just don't have the time like I did."
"I have clients out there that want me in the East Valley. We're talking about millions upon millions of dollars."
Mitton said he won't be coaching anywhere this year. ALA West Foothills had a big Phoenix Trevor Browne influence with his father, Bill, helping out, along with Chad's brother Tait, who is a firefighter. Three generations of Mittons built ALA West Foothills into a power at the small-school level. Bill Mitton coached Trevor Browne to back-to-back big-school state finals in 1980 and '81, winning it all in '81.
The Guardians got so good that the AIA elevated it to 4A this school year.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Chad Mitton leaves ALA West Foothills football
Category: General Sports
