Williams resigns as Mosley baseball coach

LYNN HAVEN - Mike Williams has resigned as head baseball coach at Mosley, he confirmed on Wednesday.

Williams steps down after two seasons. He cited personal reasons for the decision, but would not elaborate.

"It's completely personal," Williams said. "It's something I feel like at this point I need to take care of."

Williams said he made his decision prior to Mosley's 17-1 loss to Pace in Tuesday's Region 1-5A quarterfinal. He added that he made the decision on his own accord.

"It had nothing to do with the administration or anyone involved in baseball," Williams said.

Williams said he will remain at Mosley as a driver education instructor, and he plans to continue serving as an assistant football coach under Perry Brown.

"This is a great school, with great administration and a great athletic director and I have no reason to leave," Williams said.

Williams recently led Mosley to its first district championship in five years. Mosley finished 19-7 a season after going 9-16 and placing last in District 2-5A. The 2007 team, his first, was young, and most of it returns next season.

Mosley started six juniors against Pace. Williams said the future is bright.

"We went from last place to first in a district that is probably as strong as any in the state," he said. "We played a very difficult schedule, and anytime you beat Rutherford three times in one year it's a special thing.

"I'm very pleased with what we accomplished. I give all the credit to my coaching staff and to the kids."

Mosley Athletic Director Tim Jennings said Williams was a classy coach who instilled discipline and hard work in his players. Jennings said the position is being advertised within Bay District Schools for 10 days. The scope will be expanded thereafter.

"Mike has really done a great job at Mosley," Jennings said. "He's left us in such great shape and we were extremely lucky to have him on our staff."

Jennings didn't provide an exact time frame for when he expected a new coach to be in place. However, the last search, which resulted in Williams replacing Jed Douglas, was finished by June 2006.