After two transformative years at Millard South High School, Coach Ty Wisdom is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Arizona. Wisdom, who led Millard South to a Class A state championship this season, will be taking on a new challenge with the Chandler, Ariz., high school team. Chandler’s football team has won five consecutive state championships from 2016-20
Wisdom’s coaching career has been marked by significant achievements, including a Class A state championship and last season’s record of 10-2. Before his tenure at Millard South, he was an assistant coach at Surprise Valley Vista and head coach at Horizon and Desert Vista in Arizona. In his time coaching in Arizona, he came back home to become head coach of Millard South and to be closer to his family in town.
“It was a great three years and it was a tough decision to leave, but it’s one of those things, you gotta do what’s best for your family and everything else. And Millard South is a big reason why I got this opportunity,” Wisdom said.
Reflecting on his time at Millard South, Wisdom emphasized the important lessons he wanted the team to instill after his departure
One of those lessons, he said, is “the accountability piece and the trust piece that a team has to have to be successful.”
“I know that this team will continue to be successful,” Wisdom said.
“Then the next thing is just at the end of the day, being really good people and working hard. And I think if you’re a good person and you work hard, you’ll be successful in this world,” he said.
Wisdom said his decision to move back to Arizona was not made lightly.
“I sat down with my wife and discussed it. I was down there interviewing and getting to know my bosses and different people on that end. And it wasn’t an easy decision. It took until the very last minute.”
Despite the bittersweet departure, Wisdom said he is confident in the future of Millard South’s football program.
“I think that really what puts me at peace is that I know the program’s in a much better spot than when I came here. I’m not saying it was in a bad spot, but I know it’s in a much better spot, and I know this team will continue to thrive and win another state championship next year and then just keep, keep going.”
Following Coach Wisdom’s departure, Millard South High School has announced that Coach Taylor Mendenhall will step into the role of head coach. With nine years of coaching experience, including six years at South, Mendenhall is well-acquainted with the school’s football program.
In response to his new appointment, Coach Mendenhall expressed his enthusiasm and connection to the school.
“I am very honored and humbled to be the head coach at Millard South. This school is a special place and means a lot to me as an alum. Millard South Football is historically one of the best programs in the state, and I plan to elevate this standard even higher. We have an amazing group of players who are even better humans, which made taking this job a very easy decision for me and my family.
Preparations for the 2025-2026 season begin, Coach Mendenhall outlined his goals for the program.
“My objectives are to defend our State Championship from the 2024 season and to create a program known for toughness, togetherness, and stability,” he said.
