Darryl Page steps down as Lower Richland football coach

Darryl Page has resigned after three seasons as Lower Richland High football coach.

Page informed his coaches and players of his decision Wednesday. He was 7-23 during his tenure as Diamond Hornets coach, including a 2-8 mark this year.

“I had some back problems, and looking into next season I don’t think I am physically up to it,” Page said. “Plus, I’ve got a son that is getting ready to play football in college next year and a daughter going into high school.”

Page will remain at the school for the rest of the year and continue to handle co-athletic directors duties with LR girls basketball coach Debbie Stroman. Page didn’t rule out coaching again, even in an assistant role. If that happens, it will likely be closer to the Florence area, where he continued to live while coaching at LR.

Page’s mother is in a nursing facility in Florence, and that is one of the reasons he continued to live there while coaching the Diamond Hornets.

Page said the next coach at LR has the chance to succeed with the talent returning, including quarterback Tevaughn Higgins. The sophomore was second in the Midlands in passing with 2,516 yards this past season.

“Program is going in the right direction, and the talent – whoever replaces me will have a chance to make a run at it with hard work and determination,” Page said. “They’ve got talent on defense back, too, and I think LR could compete with anyone in the state.”

Before coming to Lower Richland, Page coached at Wilson High in Florence, where he guided the Tigers to 13 playoff appearances in 19 seasons. The Tigers won three region titles and the 2007 Class 3A state championship. Wilson finished third in the region that year and won all of its playoff games on the road before defeating Chester for the title.

At Wilson, Page coached several players who have played college football and three who are playing professionally, including Lawrence Timmons (Steelers), Justin Durant (Falcons) and Darian Durant (CFL).

Page served as assistant coach for the South squad in the North/South All-Star game and was an assistant in the Shrine Bowl in 2007.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 2:34 PM with the headline "Darryl Page steps down as Lower Richland football coach."