SPANISH FORT, Ala. – Spanish Fort High head football coach and athletic director

Bryant Vincent has stepped down to join the University of South Alabama football coaching staff beginning Jan. 21.

Spanish Fort principal Marty McRae released the news of Vincent's decision after a

meeting Thursday morning.

Vincent said it was a difficult decision but that the timing was right to take a career step he has often dreamed of taking someday.

"It's a bittersweet moment. But it's been a long-time goal of mine to be a coach at the Division I level," he said. "And to get the opportunity to work for a coach like Joey Jones and a first-class university like South Alabama is just a truly great opportunity."

Vincent, who took over the SFHS program four years ago and led the Toros to the 2010 5A state championship in December, was emotional about leaving "The Hill," he helped build.

"It's tough to walk away from great relationships and a great program," he said. "And to have been a part of building that and getting things to where they are now… Believe me, it's tough… But it's right for me, right now."

McRae said Vincent's shoes will be hard to fill, but he leaves a strong program intact.

"Coach Vincent has done a great job, but it's a life long dream for him to coach on the college field and he just couldn't pass that up. I'm already getting resumes and we're looking at interviewing as many people as it takes to get the best possible fit. We expect to get quality people applying. The community won't accept less than the best."

McRae said he hopes to have someone in place by mid to late February. By then he will make his recommendation for the athletic director/head coaching job to the superintendent who will then present the selection to the Baldwin County School Board for approval.

Vincent said being able to stay in the Spanish Fort area made the decision a lot easier to make.

"I'll still be involved in the community," he said. "I'll just switch roles from AD, head coach, to parent and someone who just cares about the community. I'll be around and I'll be involved"

Vincent will take over as the Jaguars' tight-end coach and begin preparing for spring training right away. He will also rejoin former SFHS quarterback Ameriol Finley who graduated early and signed with USA last month. He is expected to play defense next season.