A state-title-winning coach is leaving his Lexington County post.

Gray Collegiate head football coach and athletic director Adam Holmes has resigned from his position at the school. 

Holmes was the public charter school’s first football coach and athletic director, serving in those posts since the school opened its doors in 2014. 

Since then, the War Eagles have become a consistent state title contender in many sports, including football, basketball and baseball. 

In a statement to the school’s families, Holmes said he is leaving so he can focus on his family and mental well-being. 

“As I reflect on the many successes at Gray over the past year, my mental, physical, and emotional health has suffered greatly,” Holmes said. “It is time for me now to focus on my family and myself and see where this journey leads me professionally. There is interest out there in football and outside of football. When I knew I wanted to possibly venture outside of working at Gray, I spoke with [Principal Brian] Newsome and we both thought it was best to go ahead and step away so Gray can move on with the process of finding someone.”

It is unclear if the competitive balance debate that has shaken the landscape of high school sports in South Carolina played any role in Holmes’ departure. 

Gray was at the center of the controversy after teams from its region canceled contests against the school starting in the spring. The same thing happened this football season, forcing Holmes to search for replacement games to get his team on the field. 

The War Eagles begin their search for a replacement as the school begins a new era, with a recent proposal from the South Carolina High School League  jumping the school up two classes, from 2A to 4A. 

The team finished the season 15-4 and lost to Oceanside Collegiate in the 2A state championship. Holmes went 76-35 as Gray’s head football coach, winning six region titles and the 2021 state championship. 

Associate head coach Howie Bayer accepted the position as interim head coach and will have the opportunity to apply for the full job, Newsome said in the school’s statement. Bayer, boy’s soccer and cross country coach Kevin Heise and boy’s basketball coach Dion Bethea will take on the majority of athletic director responsibilities. 

Gray is now the third team in the county with a head football coach opening. Gilbert’s Chad Leaphart left to become the new athletic director for the entire Lexington 1 school district, and Swansea’s Brent Wilder departed after an 0-10 2023 campaign. 

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.