River Bluff is looking for a new football coach. 

Blair Hardin announced his resignation from the team after serving as the head coach for the past eight seasons. Hardin will step away from coaching altogether to spend more time with his family. 

“For almost two decades of being a head football coach, I have dedicated myself to teaching and molding young men. I have made the decision to take a break from coaching football to spend more time with my family and three little girls,” Hardin said in a social media post. 

Hardin is the second and all-time winningest coach in River Bluff history. He took over for David Bennet, who took a job as district athletic director before retiring. During Hardin’s time in charge, the Gators won 47 games and made the postseason six times. 

“We sincerely appreciate Coach Hardin’s contributions to Gator football and the River Bluff community,” River Bluff principal Jacob Smith said in a press release. “Blair’s influence goes far beyond the scoreboard—his dedication to shaping the character and leadership of our student-athletes will leave a lasting mark on our school. He is a man of integrity, and his impact will be deeply missed.”

The decision to step down comes after River Bluff’s best season in program history, winning a record 10 games. The team qualified for the SCHSL 5A Division I playoffs and advanced to the third round before losing to Dutch Fork. 

“It is obvious that Coach Hardin truly cares about his players and has done his very best to set a positive example for all of them,” River Bluff athletic director Andrew Peckham said. “Blair has always treated his players, assistant coaches, and peers with utmost respect and professionalism. We are grateful for all he has done for our program and wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Hardin said he will always appreciate his time at River Bluff, but he wanted to step away from the sidelines and be there for his daughters. 

“This decision was very difficult, but after careful consideration, I feel it is the right decision for me,” he said. Coaching and teaching at River Bluff has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented student-athletes and dedicated colleagues. Watching our players grow both on and off the field has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career, and I will always cherish the memories and relationships built during my tenure.”

Hardin’s resignation as football coach began immediately following the announcement. He will stay in his teaching and assistant athletic director roles until the end of the school year. 

River Bluff will begin the search for its next head football coach immediately. Hardin said he is confident whoever is next can fill his shoes and continue the program’s upward trajectory. 

“I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the administration, staff, students, and parents for their unwavering support. The camaraderie and sense of community within River Bluff has made my time here truly special,’ Hardin said. “I am confident that the football program will continue to thrive under new leadership”