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Tide coach says he wants more time with athletes, family
Eric McNair
Eric McNair has resigned as the head football coach for Long County - photo by File photo by Patty Leon

Eric McNair told the Long County Board of Education Monday that he would be stepping down as the head coach of the Blue Tide football team, and leaving Long County High School.

He said that he will be joining another high school as the assistant athletic director, strength coach, and offensive line coach, but said the location where he would be going could not be released at this time.

"I will stay on as long as they need me here, we have not set a date exactly when that is, but it will likely be before the end of the year," McNair said.

He said he was thankful for the opportunity to lead Blue Tide football, and that he was stepping down so he could get back to the basics of coaching and spend more time with his family.

"It gives me an opportunity to get back to coaching and not worrying about everything," McNair said. "In head coaching you were often doing more managing than coaching. Also, we’ll be in my wife’s hometown and it will allow us more time as a family."

He said leading a high school team has made him a better football coach.

"I think the process as a whole has made me a better coach," McNair said. "It makes you really want to do a great job and be attentive to the details because a lot of people are counting on you."

McNair said he had enjoyed being the head coach and seeing the Long County program grow. He suspects it would continue to get better with a new leader.

"I have enjoyed my time here, but the great thing with getting a new head coach is he will provide new energy to the program, new ways of doing things, and new staff members; it will be a great thing for the program," McNair said.

He praised the Long County administrative staff for its support, and encouraged the community to continue to support the football program.

"Long County has a great administration who supported me 100 pecent," he said. "I cannot thank them enough. The community needs to continue to rally behind the program, it is growing and it is a process that will not be done overnight."

McNair joined the Long County coaching staff in 2013 and became head coach in 2015, compiling a 4-13-2 record. Prior to joining the Blue Tide, he was an assistant coach at Tattnall County and Metter high schools.

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