The Chief: Carl Madison's Life in Football pays tribute to a man who defied humble beginnings to become a legendary high school football coach in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Although Madison suffered numerous setbacks along the way, and his career was not without controversy, he soared to incredible heights. Over a span of almost fifty years, Carl Madison was tough on the young men he coached, yet he generated loyalty. Many former players credit Madison with impacting their lives beyond the field.

Written by one of Coach Madison's former receivers, The Chief consists of information drawn from newspaper archives and interviews with other former players, assistant coaches, friends, colleagues, and Madison himself.