Bison Football Coach Steps Down

Updated at 2:48 p.m. with comments from Ryan Williams.

Beachwood High School football coach Ryan Williams has stepped down from his position, the district announced today.

"For me, I'm just ready to explore other coaching opportunities," said Williams.

He added that he will definitely coach varsity football next season, but is weighing his options of locale.

Williams took the team from a 0-10 record in 2005 to its best season in 10 years this fall, finishing with a 7-3 record and narrowly missing the playoffs.

He said his secret to success was a great staff. "No one person can do it on his own, especially coaching...you need to surround yourself with a lot of great people, and then when you have that, it's getting the kids to buy in. And the kids really bought in."

District Athletic Director Ryan Peters wrote an email this afternoon:

Earlier this week, Ryan Williams stepped down as the Head Coach of the Beachwood Bison Football team after six seasons. It is Ryan's wish to pursue other challenges in the coaching profession.  We will remember all of his coaching triumphs and success over the past six years. We wish Coach Williams and his family lots of success in the future and thank him for everything that he has done for our football program, our student athletes, and the Beachwood community. He made a difference in many of our football players lives, and should be commended for his hard work and dedication to our student athletes and our community.

"I hope I left behind a program that someone else can come in and continue to build," said Wiliams. "I know we built a lot of pride in the community and I hope that continues."

Editor's Note: The Bison's 2005 season record was incorrect in the original version of this article and has been corrected.