Bryant head football coach Paul Calley is resigning effective Jan. 4.
Calley has been at Bryant for more than 20 years taking over as head coach in 2003. In his 12 years, the former Henderson State captain would win several conference titles.
This season, Calley and the Hornets finished 9-1 in the regular season before losing to Fayetteville in the quarterfinals of the 7A state playoffs.
"Bryant is a wonderful place and I am blessed to have spent 23 years there with a great community, wonderful teachers, students and players!," Calley said in a statement to the Courier. "Everyone there is like family to me and always will be.
"Change is difficult and it's been hard on me, but it is time. The Lord has opened doors for me that I can't close. There is no underlying story, I left on good terms and I know our administration will choose the right person to lead the Hornet Football team to even greater heights!"
Calley earned his 100th win as head coach this season when Bryant defeated Alma on the road. This year’s squad was also just the second team in program history to start the year 6-0.
"Lastly, a huge thank you to my entire staff from 7th grade to the top! They are great coaches and deserve much more credit than me for what we've built. It has truly been an unbelievable experience and I look forward to doing it again."