Riggs coached at the Bengals for four years.

Previously he had coached at Broughton, where his Caps won the 4-A state title in 1970; Cary; Athens Drive, where he started the program; Sanderson and McDowell County.

"I've loved my time at Fuquay," Riggs said. "But there are some other things other than coaching that I want to do.

"I always have asked my players to give everything they have and I don't feel I could give as much as I have in the past."

Riggs told Fuquay athletic director Bruce Hemphill of the decision to not coach football in early January, but Riggs agreed to continue teaching social studies until a replacement is found.

Riggs said his career record is about 175-125. He said he seemed to be attracted to programs that needed help.

Fuquay was 11-2 in 2007 and 11-3 in 2006.

Riggs interspersed his years of coaching with seven years in the ministry.

"I believe coaching and teaching is a ministry," he said. "There are other ways I want to be involved."

Hemphill said Riggs was much more than a good football coach.

"He is an icon for our athletics program," Hemphill said.

"He is an integral part of the faculty, the school and the community. He has been a role model for other coaches, teachers, students, parents ... .

"He always did things in a caring way and people knew he was concerned with a lot more things than just winning football games."