LEXINGTON, SC — After three years at the helm of one of the state’s top athletics programs, Lexington athletics director and football coach Scott Earley resigned on Wednesday.

Earley, who posted a 24-13 record with the Wildcats in three seasons, informed players and coaching staff of his decision on Wednesday.

Earley will finish the school year at Lexington, but has not yet chosen his next destination.

“I really don’t know,” Earley said. “Working at Lexington 1 School District has been great. It’s a great place to live and a great place to raise a family. For 18 or 19 years, I’ve concentrated on someone else’s kids and someone else’s family and it’s time to focus on my family.”

To do that, Earley might take a position that does not combine both the athletics director and football coach roles.

“I’ve done it for a while. I burned the candle at both ends and got it done, but I’ve got a son that’s going to be a freshman and one that’s going to be a sixth grader, and I guess it’s time for me to get my priorities in order. Now, I think I’m ready to have my priorities in order, take care of my family and slow down,” he said.

Earley first accepted the dual role when he arrived in Chapin in 2009, where he was athletics director and football coach for one season, in which the Eagles were 7-4 and reached the Class 3A playoffs. Earley’s career as a head football coach began in Myrtle Beach in 2001. He capped his tenure by leading the Seahawks to the 2008 Class 3A championship.

Moving ahead, Earley is considering many possibilities.

“I’m willing to go anywhere that’s going to be good for my family and good for my kids,” he said.