In an unexpected move, Milfred Franklin has resigned as head coach of the Morgan County girls basketball team, leaving the program in search of new leadership.
Franklin has led the Lady Dogs the past four years, compiling a 79-39 overall record.
Franklin, a Morgan County graduate, described his time at the helm as both meaningful and deeply personal, calling the opportunity to return home one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.
“It’s always great to be able to come back and coach at your alma mater,” Franklin said. “There’s a sense of pride when you’re able to come back home, see former classmates, their kids, family members, and people you grew up with—and coach in front of them.”
During his tenure, Franklin helped guide the Lady Dogs through one of the most successful stretches in recent program history.
Morgan County reached the Sweet 16, advanced to the Elite Eight, and then reached the Final Four, establishing itself as a consistent postseason contender. The Lady Dogs also qualified for the playoffs in all four seasons of his tenure.
Franklin credited that success not to any single factor, but to the collective belief within the program.
“The main thing for the success was from the players,” he said. “It all comes down to player buy-in—believing in me, me believing in them, and trusting the process. That allowed us to improve every single year.”
While this past season didn’t end the way the team had hoped, Franklin remained proud of his players and what they accomplished. The Lady Dogs went 20-8 overall and won a second consecutive region title before losing in the first round of the playoffs.
“Unfortunately, it was just one of those years where we didn’t show up like we wanted to,” he said. “But I was still extremely proud of what we accomplished with this group.”
Among his favorite memories were moments that highlighted both growth and redemption.
Franklin pointed to a tough Sweet 16 loss to Carver-Columbus in his first year. Two years later, Morgan County responded in emphatic fashion, delivering what he called “one of the most perfect games” he has ever coached in a victory over the Lady Tigers— this time on its home floor—to clinch a Final Four berth.
“That was special,” Franklin said. “To see how far we had come and to do it in that way—it meant a lot.”
As he steps away, Franklin is careful not to take sole credit for the program’s rise, noting that Morgan County already had a strong foundation in place when he arrived. Instead, he views his role as one of refinement and continued growth.
“I wouldn’t just say I left it better—I improved it in different areas,” he said. “The program was already successful. I was just able to polish it even more.”
Looking ahead, Franklin believes the future is bright. With a core group of experienced players set to return, he expects the team to continue building on its recent success.
“They’re going to be even better next year,” he said. “There’s a lot of returning players and veteran leadership. They’ll be more mature, and I have the utmost confidence in what’s ahead.”