Apex’s Joe Kilby resigns as football coach

Apex football coach Joe Kilby is resigning, he told his team on Friday morning.

Kilby’s Cougars posted records of 2-8, 2-9 and 5-7 in his three years. Apex went 5-7 this last season, its first appearance in the state playoffs since 2008.

He believes he’s leaving the program in good shape. He was proud of the physical style his team played with.

“I think we’ve accomplished (improvement) by the fact that we’re competitive in terms of going to the playoffs, competitive in the conference,” Kilby said. “It was a difficult decision on my part.”

Kilby said many of the players were surprised, but he assured them that the administration would get the right person in to lead the program.

“I think it’s time where the program might be in better hands with someone else leading it,” Kilby said.

Before coming to Apex, Kilby had a successful run at Cedar Ridge, leading the Red Wolves to a 12-3 record in his final season with a trip to the 2AA East final.

This story was originally published May 8, 2015 at 9:11 AM with the headline "Apex’s Joe Kilby resigns as football coach."