Brookhaven Academy is in the market for a head football coach.Ray Ishee, has stepped down as head coach at Brookhaven Academyafter five years at the helm.

“I’ve been here five years and they’ve been five good years,”said Ishee. “I’ve enjoyed the kids. I decided I want to dosomething else.”

In 5 years, Ishee’s Cougars amassed a 32-23 record. They were6-5 last season.

Ishee, 57, had come out of retirement to coach the Cougars aftera successful career at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. “I do itbecause I really enjoy the kids,” said Ishee. “I plan to continuebeing associated with Brookhaven Academy.”

Ishee also serves as an assistant administrator at the school.It has been on a part-time basis.

“It’s been a good ride,” said Ishee. “I’ll continue to have aclose relationship with Brookhaven Academy.”

Ishee said the new head coach could have an effect on his futurestatus at the school.

Ishee coached at Co-Lin for 11 years. He was head coach for 5years. Under his direction, the Wolves won the MACJC statechampionship and the East Bowl in 1985.

He was dean of students at Co-Lin for 11 years. Ishee retiredafter 32 years in public school and then started coaching atBrookhaven Academy in 2001.

“We have a good bunch of seniors coming back,” said Ishee. “Likea lot of small schools, you have good athletes every couple ofyears.”

Ishee said the team should do well in 2006.

“Our facilities and the stadium have really improved,” saidIshee. Completion of the new weight training room was completedlast year, plus paving of the parking lot.

“There has been a lot of support from the community,” saidIshee. “Brookhaven Academy football has a bright future.”

Ishee only had one full-time assistant coach in Andrew Hickman.Serving as a part-time coach last season was Sonny Hill.

Ishee is a Jones County native. He played football forTaylorsville High School, Jones County Junior College and DeltaState University as a linebacker.

He is married to the former Rhonda Wilson of Brookhaven. Theyhave two children, Brad and Marci; plus two grandchildren Brice andBraden.

Brookhaven Academy headmaster Dr. Miller Hammill said he wasn’tsurprised by Ishee’s decision. “I think Coach Ishee just made apersonal decision. He had discussed his situation before theChristmas holidays. He wanted to talk with his wife and familyabout it before making a final decision.”

Ishee will continue working at the school this semester. “He’llbe on our staff and continue to work wherever we need him,” saidHammill.

Hammill said he and Ishee have been friends for many years, whenboth worked on the community college level, going back to hisemployment at Pearl River. “I hate to lose him. He’s done a goodjob coaching and on the administrative side.”

Hammill said an announcement of the vacancy has been placed onthe MPSA web site.

“Applications will be accepted until Feb. 15,” said Hammill. “Asearch committee has been set up. We hope to have a recommendationto the board by the March meeting.”

Hammill said he was looking for an experienced coach, preferablywith a minimum of five years experience as a head coach. “It wouldbe good if they had some administrative experience, too.”

Hammill said Ishee is leaving the football program in goodshape. “We have a good working and coaching situation at BrookhavenAcademy. We should get some quality applicants.”