Allen Harris has resigned as the head coach of the Pineville High School football team. The decision was announced Monday afternoon via joint Facebook posts by Harris and Pineville Independent Schools.

“The last 24 years I have been involved in coaching football in some capacity. The last three I have been blessed to be the head football coach at Pineville High School. I love this program passionately and I care deeply about the success of the program as well as all sports and academics at Pineville,” Harrisa said. “The last couple years we have been presented with a tough schedule and a mountain of injuries, but our kids always fought hard and never backed down. That I am proud of. These kids could have quit many times throughout the last two years but they stuck together and gave their all for Pineville just as I did, my wife Callie and our assistant coaches.
“After 24 years of blood, sweat, and tears and deep conversations with my wife I have decided to pursue other avenues for our athletes at Pineville. I will always have a place in my heart for this football team. We didn’t win a lot of games but this team never gave up and for that they will be better people. I feel that I am leaving the program better than I found it and that’s important. I am looking forward to my new role as an administrator in the athletics department and I will continue my job as Chief/SRO Officer.”

In a letter posted to the district’s Facebook page, Superintendent Russell Thompson said Harris would be assuming more responsibilities within the athletics department.
“We are proud to announce Mr. Allen Harris will be furthering his commitment to the students of Pineville Independent in the area of athletics administration. Mr. Harris will be assuming more responsibilities within the athletics department and serving our students in a broader capacity in addition to his role as resource officer,” Thompson said. “However due to the increased scope of his new responsibilities, Mr. Harris has decided to resign his role as head football coach.”

Thompson said Pineville Independent School strives for excellence in every aspect of the student experience.

“This aspiration has led to unrivaled academic achievements, fiercely competitive athletics and unique opportunities for the students and families we serve. In order to meet our standard of excellence, Pineville Independent School must often identify the needs within our programs and develop/promote personnel to further our objectives,” he said.

He thanked Harris for his time serving as Pineville’s head football coach.

“Mr. Harris was tireless in his efforts to develop the athletic prowess and character of every athlete he coached during his tenure leading our Mountain Lions. I am excited to see his leadership and influence grow within our athletics department,” Thompson said.

Harris also took time to thank the people of Pineville who supported him and the team during his time as head coach.
“Thank you to all the people of Pineville who supported us on this journey. Thank you Mr Thompson for the wonderful opportunity of leading this program and thank you to the assistants and all the volunteers who work for pennies or nothing to keep football alive at Pineville,” Harris said.