By CURTIS ROCKWELL
Item Sports Editor
CARRIERE — After four seasons at the helm of his alma mater, Pearl River Central head football coach Jeremy Weir is stepping down.
Weir submitted his letter of resignation to the school board Monday night.
"It was a difficult decision, but I just decided it was time to move on," Weir, who replaced Michael Bradley as head coach four years ago, said Monday afternoon. "It wasn't a decision I came to overnight. I have thought about, talked about it and prayed about it since the end of the season. And at this time, I just think this is the best decision for me and my family."
As a standout linebacker, Weir was part of a successful PRC program in the 1990's and took the PRC post after six seasons as an assistant coach including stops at Hancock and Poplarville.
But the success he had on the field as a player with the Blue Devils didn't translate to the sidelines, as PRC went just 7-32 during his tenure including an 0-11 mark last season.
"With this being my home, it made it an even tougher decision to leave," Weir added. "And I also think there are some good things we have done here. But in the end a head coach is judged on wins and losses, and we didn't get it done."
Weir said that the decision was his to step down, and he felt no pressure from the administration or the fan base. He waited until Monday to announce his decision in part because the Blue Devils' banquet took place over the weekend.
"That's one good thing, that I am leaving on my own terms," Weir added. "The administration and the community have been very supportive. I couldn't have asked for better support."
Weir indicated that he planned on staying in coaching, as an assistant coach, and that he had a few interviews lined up.
"I will be a head coach again, I love coaching" Weir said. "At this point I just want to spend some time as an assistant and see where that leads me."
Weir said he'll use his time as the top man at PRC in his future endeavors.
"My experience here has been invaluable to me," he concluded. "I've learned a lot. And if I could go back four years and had the same chance I do it again."
A search to replace Weir is expected to begin soon.
