Citing family reasons, LaFayette High School football coach Paul Ellis announced he is stepping down after a three-year run that included leading the Ramblers to their first appearance in the GHSA playoffs in 27 years.
Ellis, 53, informed the players Friday morning, telling them his decision is all about his family.
"It's real simple. My daughter is going to be a senior next school year, and it's about spending more family time," Ellis said. "There's nothing wrong here. I just need to step down and slow down a bit. I don't want to miss anything about my daughter's senior year. I just wish we could have gotten the kids more wins."
LaFayette went 4-6 this past season, with one game canceled due to COVID-19, but the Ramblers earned a state playoff berth out of Region 6-AAA. The appearance, a 35-7 road loss to 7-AAA champion Cherokee Bluff, ended Georgia's longest-running postseason drought.
The Ramblers, who went 5-5 in 2018 and 3-8 in their second season under Ellis, are still seeking their first winning season since going 6-4 in 2008 and their first playoff win since going 11-1 in 1969.
Ellis came to LaFayette from Alabama's Fort Payne High School, where his teams won multiple region championships. He and his family still live there.
"As a dad, I just feel like it's the thing I need to do," said Ellis, who hopes to stay involved in the sport in a less time-demanding capacity next school year. "It's just hard because I love everything about LaFayette. That's why it's so tough.
"I've been blessed. I want to say thanks to all the town and school for having me and treating me so well. I think we've moved it slightly forward, and maybe the next coach can come in and take it over the top. There are some good young kids here. I think the program will keep growing."
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.