After leading the Trojans to the second round of state playoffs in his first year as interim baseball coach, William Teal is resigning from Charles Henderson High School.

“It’s been a very difficult decision for me,” said Teal, who led the team to a 27-10 record last season. “But I got an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down … it’s a personal decision about what’s best for me and my wife.”

Teal said he is leaving the education field to pursue a business opportunity in Birmingham. He informed the team of his decision Monday morning and the Troy City Schools Board of Education approved his resignation Monday night.

“I love coaching, and it was really tough for me to tell the guys I was going to be leaving,” Teal said. “I’m not going to lie … I shed some tears.”

Teal’s ties to Charles Henderson run deep. He began playing for the baseball team while in middle school, and played from 2004-2008. He was a starter on the 2008 team that lost in the finals of the state championship.

He returned as an assistant coach in 2014 under then coach Derek Irons and was a part of the team’s state championship that year. He was named interim this year when Irons left to take the head-coaching job at Oak Mountain.

Teal said he was appreciative of the opportunity given to him by the administrators in the school system and the support he received in his first year. “I want people to know that it was really a hard decision. I have really enjoyed my time in the school system, and my wife and I have good memories that will be cherished.”

“Coach Teal did an outstanding job as interim head baseball coach at CHHS,” said Dr. Lee Hicks, superintendent. “We are sad to see him go but understand the opportunity with ALFA was the best for him and his family. We wish him the best of luck in his new journey.”

Hicks said interviews for the position would begin soon.