McCallie's Chris RichardsonChris Richardson is moving out of the dugout and into an administrative chair.
McCallie's baseball coach for the past 12 years, Richardson has been named assistant athletic director for the school.
"It's going to be hard giving up baseball, because it's been such a big part of what I have done at McCallie," he said. "The things I will miss the most will be being out there with the kids every day and the relationships you form."
There was enough about being assistant AD to make the move worthwhile.
"I think one of my responsibilities will be facilities. Although everything hasn't yet been ironed out, the things that have been presented to me will be exciting," said Richardson, whose 245 wins are the most in program history.
Those include 21 over rival Baylor, another school best. And he led McCallie to the state championship game in 2007.
Athletic director Bubba Simmons praised Richardson's service.
"He has been a positive influence on countless numbers of young men over the years," Simmons said.
McCallie will begin the search for a new coach immediately, he said through a school release. Simmons said interested candidates should contact him at the school.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765.