Al Rogers has resigned as head football coach at Silverdale Baptist Academy after nine seasons in charge of the program. Rogers told the team Tuesday afternoon.
"I just knew it was time," Rogers said. "People don't realize that for several months a year football coaches spend about 70 hours a week working. That's tough. I've been around the game for 40 years, but I'm just tired, honestly."
Rogers, who had worked as a middle school coach at Silverdale Baptist prior to taking over the high school varsity program, compiled a 50-46 overall record that included three playoff appearances.
"The most important things in my life have been faith, family, football and the outdoors," Rogers added. "I'm overseeing the outdoors educational program we started three years ago, and it's really taking off. I'd like to dedicate more time to those kids, and trying to do that plus run the football program was just a lot. You really need to dedicate all your work time toward the game if you're going to be a successful football coach these days.
Silverdale head coach Al Rogers speaks with his team during a scrimmage game between Silverdale and Sale Creek on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, at Silverdale Baptist Academy in Chattanooga, Tenn. "Both my kids played for me here, and I know I'll miss the game and being around the kids, but I'm not going anywhere, so I might get back into coaching one day because I think I've still got a little bit left in the tank. But for now it's time to step away for a bit."
The Seahawks, who finished 4-6 this season and most recently reached the Division II-AA playoffs in 2018, advanced as far as the Class 2A quarterfinals in 2013 with a school-best 11 wins that season.
"We are incredibly indebted to Coach Rogers for his work with the program and where he has brought it and the challenges that came with the move to D-II recently," school athletic director Taylor Hasty said. "He has grown the roster over the last decade and centered it on building better young men every single day.
"We have a committee in place and will begin an active nationwide search to find our next football coach."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.
Silverdale head coach Al Rogers questions a call. The Sequatchie Valley Football Jamboree was held at Sequatchie Valley High School In Dunlap on August 11, 2017. / Robin Rudd