King’s Fork High School boys’ basketball coach Josh Worrell has stepped down from his position as head basketball coach.

After 13 years as head coach, Worrell’s decision ultimately came down to him wanting to spend more time with his family, he said Monday. It was something he had been thinking about for a while, and after discussions with his wife, Worrell felt it was time.

The decision came as a shock to many, including family, friends and players.

“We felt like this was the right time, even though there’s never a good time with these things,” Worrell said. “The connections I’ve built with my kids through the years have been great, but my wife and I felt like right now was a good time.”

King’s Fork athletic director Randy Jessee is thankful for the job Worrell did for the program.

“Coach Worrell did an outstanding job running his program,” Jessee said. “He was a good role model for his players and monitored them well on and off the court. We are happy to see him step down in a way that’s best for his family.”

Worrell’s tenure at King’s Fork included a record of 219-118. He led King’s Fork to a historic state championship victory during the 2008-2009, and his Bulldogs were runners-up during the 2014-2015 season. Eleven of his 13 seasons as a coach were winning seasons.

Worrell is leaving the door open to coach again one day. However, he said he made it clear to the administration that he didn’t step down to look elsewhere or to turn around and coach next week. As of now, he is not looking for another coaching job and is focusing on another direction of his life.

“Like I tell the kids all the time, there is going to come a time where the basketball is going to stop bouncing,” Worrell said of. “There is life outside of coaching and being able to reach kids in different ways. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Worrell has been in coaching since he was 18 and is curious about what is next. He will continue as the health and physical education teacher at King’s Fork.

“It’s going to be a different dynamic of life,” he said. “I know God is going to watch over me and put me on the right path of what I want to do.”

Jessee said that the school will have an open process in selecting its next coach.

Among Worrell’s notable accomplishments are the following:

• Regional tournament berth nine of the last 11 years;
• Former Southeastern District Coach of the Year, Ironclad Coach of the Year, Eastern Region Coach of the Year, and AAA State Coach of the Year;
• Five of his former players have scholarships to play at the Division 1 level.
• Many of his former players have gone on to play at Division II, III, NAIA or junior college levels.