Chris Edge has resigned as boys’ basketball coach at Ridgeland High School after six years and four state playoff appearances, including three in which his teams set new standards for winning.
Edge took the Panthers to a 17-10 record in 2006-07, had a 21-10 mark the next season and went 24-5 in the 2008-09 year. This year, however, Ridgeland slipped to 14-13 and endured several off-court issues that wore on the coach.
“This year was trying,” said Edge, who previously coached softball at the school. “It did weigh on me. It seemed like we had a different issue to deal with every week. I’m ready to look at a new challenge, and I’m leaving everything open. I may stay here and just teach, or I may go somewhere else and try something new.”
Ridgeland athletic director Craig Parrott said he hopes the school can find a coach similar to Edge in his commitment to the program.
“He’s one of those dedicated coaches who you enjoy as an athletic director and administrator because you don’t have to worry about the program,” Parrott said. “He’s going to take care of business and do it right. It’s a blow to our athletic program. He’s always put in the extra commitment a good coach should do.
“It’s a concern for me to replace him because we want someone who will fit those needs.”
Parrott said he and principal Robert Smith will start the search process soon but no timetable has been set for a hiring.
“Talking to Mr. Smith, we feel like we have some good athletes coming back,” Parrott said. “He did not leave the stable bare. We want to find the best possible replacement, and if that can be done in short time, that’s great, but if not, we’ll take our time. We’ll start by talking with members of our staff and see if any of them are interested.”