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Brandon retires as Blue Devils football head coachFree Access


Grosse Pointe South High School head football coach Tim Brandon announced his resignation last week after 15 years with the program. Photo courtesy of Grosse Pointe South Football

After 15 years at the helm of the Grosse Pointe South High School varsity football team, Blue Devils head coach Tim Brandon has announced his retirement.

“This has been a very difficult decision for me as I love South football more than almost anything in the world,” Brandon said in a letter posted on the team’s Facebook page Thursday. “It has been a major part of my life for a decade and a half. I truly believe though, that as a leader, it is important to know when it is time to step aside and let a new leader with new ideas, energy, and vision take over.”

Brandon took over as head coach of the Blue Devils in 2006. During his tenure, they reached the playoffs 12 times and advanced as far as the state semifinals in 2010.

South won eight league championships as well as two district titles and one regional title with Brandon as head coach. Brandon feels that he achieved everything he wanted to and more during his time with the Blue Devils.

“My No. 1  goal when I took the job as head football coach at South was to build this once storied program back to its former glory,” said Brandon. “I believe that we have achieved this goal and beyond. South football is again one of the most respected football programs in the state.”

The Blue Devils finished the 2021 season with a 6-5 record overall after a 5-4 regular season finish. The team also finished 1-4 in the MAC Red division. South defeated Lakeview in the opening round of this year’s playoffs before being eliminated by eventual state champions De La Salle Collegiate.

As his time with South comes to an end, Brandon wrote in his letter that what he will miss most about being coach of the Blue Devils goes far beyond the Friday night lights.

“I will also miss the day-to-day interactions at practice, in the weight room, and film room,” he said. “I will forever cherish the relationships with the players that I have had the honor of forming. Sharing with them the wins and losses, joys and sorrows, and ups and downs of high school football will be in my heart forever.”