After seven seasons at the helm of the Nansemond River football program, head coach Brian Maus decided to resign, Nansemond River announced on Tuesday.

Maus cited personal reasons and trying to raise his family as reasons for the decision.

Maus is a physical education teacher at NR and he will be continuing in that position at the school.

&uot;The decision was a tough one to make,&uot; said Maus on Tuesday, &uot;but I’m perfectly happy with it.

&uot;I love it here and a I enjoy teaching here,&uot; said Maus.

His two young children, and the kids in the Warrior football program, were the main reasons behind his decision to turn over the football reins to someone else.

As for the football side, &uot;the bottom line is I want what’s best for the kids here.&uot;

&uot;If someone has a better idea and can get better results, I’m all for it.

That’s what’s fair to the players.

&uot;I put a lot of time and hard work into coaching here and perhaps the dividend hasn’t been worth it.

Maybe I’m not reaching the kids and I’m not the best guy to get the most out of them right now,&uot; said Maus.

NR went 0-10 in Maus’ first season, 2000.

In 2002, NR reached their highest finish ever in the Southeastern District.

The Warriors beat Lakeland, Oscar Smith, Hickory, Great Bridge and Deep Creek for a second-place finish in the district and a 7-3 overall record.

This past season, the Warriors were 2-8 overall, 1-6 in district.

In his seven seasons at River, Maus had a 20-50 overall record.

&uot;There were times this year that we should’ve been better,&uot; said Maus.

About the family reasons for resigning as coach, Maus said, &uot;my family is the most important thing right now.

I have two kids, ages three and five, and I need to be there more often for them.

&uot;This is about what’s best for my own children.&uot;

&uot;I was always going back and forth,&uot; said Maus about his commitment to his family versus the NR football team.

&uot;Sometimes it’s felt like both have gotten the short end of the stick.&uot;

Maus didn’t rule out the possibility of still being involved in the football program, but that decision would be completely up to the new head coach and if Maus felt the situation was right.

&uot;I’m not going to make it awkward for someone new.

The situation would have to be right and the new coach would have to be a strong head coach,&uot; said Maus.

&uot;It can’t be a situation that the kids are looking to me as though I’m the head coach.&uot;

Maus said he thanked Nansemond River, specifically principal Thomas McLemore, for the chance to be head coach.

&uot;I was 25 years old when Mr. McLemore hired me,&uot; said Maus, &uot;a lot of people would not have taken a chance like that.&uot;

&uot;It was a great opportunity to learn a lot and I’m still learning everyday here.

I’m going to take this experience and move on.&uot;