After 12 seasons and two tenures, Rod Elliott is stepping down as the head football coach at Cold Springs.

He informed The Times of his decision on Wednesday.

Elliott coached the Eagles from 2002-05 and again from 2012-19, notching a 60-66 record to go along with six playoff appearances. He is currently the winningest coach in school history.

He had been the longest-tenured county football coach behind Fairview’s George Redding (13 seasons).

“The main thing you want to do is leave a place better than you found it,” Elliott said. “And I think we did that at Cold Springs. I’m really going to miss the kids and the relationships. Sometimes, though, it’s time to move on and start the next part of your life. And that’s kind of where I’m at. I’m looking forward to it.”

Elliott added that his most memorable moment as a coach came in his first game back in 2012.

The Blue and Gold, mired in a 35-game losing streak, defeated Decatur Heritage 36-6 in Week 1.

“The night we beat them … it was the most jubilation I’ve ever seen from a group of kids,” Elliott said. “That joy we felt was something I’ll never forget. A lot of people might say, ‘Oh, it was just one game.’ But when it had been three-plus years since the last win, it was one of the best ones.”

Elliott is the second county football coach to step down from his post since the season ended.

Mike Bates moved on from Holly Pond after seven seasons. He was replaced by Chris Moss.