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Jim Green, the architect of what could only be termed a magical decade for football at Plano, has stepped down as head coach.

Green, who compiled a 70-38 record over the last 10 seasons, was the most successful coach in school history at his alma mater, leading the Reapers to back-to-back state 3A titles in 2006 and 2007 and making the playoffs in seven of his last eight seasons.

Utilizing the run-oriented Wing-T offense he grew to love as a student at Augustana, Green’s Reapers ended a 25-year playoff drought in 2005 and reached the 3A semifinals. Over a three-year period (2005-08), his teams went 38-3, capped by the second state title with his son Brian at quarterback.

“Everything is fine. This was just something that as this season wore on, I knew was time to do. I had always told my wife (Amy) I would know when it was time and it was,” said the 47-year-old coach, noting he wants to spend more time with his family, which includes daughter Meghan, a freshman at Augustana.

Brian, an Augie grad like mom and dad, is in his first year of teaching at Spring Valley Hall High School. He coached the freshman football team and is assisting his former varsity basketball coach, Eric Bryant, with the Hall sophomores.

“I got to watch my son coach a couple times this fall and really enjoyed it,” said Jim Green, noting the growing time commitment required of a varsity coach factored into his decision. He served as an assistant at Plano for 12 years before becoming head coach.

“My wife said, ‘Yeah, now that I don’t need you around to help, you (step down),’” he said. “She didn’t think I’d do it, but for the first time ever, we may be able to enjoy some long weekends in the fall.”

“Jim has done a tremendous job of creating a winning climate with the program, his success speaks for itself and his leadership and expertise will be missed,” Plano principal Eric Benson said.

Superintendent Dr. Hector Garcia, athletic director Jim Schmidt and Benson have started the search for Green’s replacement and hope to have a recommendation for the school board by its February meeting.