Despite his resignation on Thursday, former Dallas County football coach John Higgins feels pride in what he is leaving for his successor.

One year after the Hornets finished 1-9 for the second consecutive season, they improved to 4-6 in 2008. The 2009 offense will return seven of 11 starters on an offense that averaged 23 points a game.

Higgins declined to discuss reasons for his resignation.

“It’s hard on me. I’m disappointed that we didn’t get things done more,” he said. “I think this next year’s team is going to be a pretty good football team.”

Higgins does not know where his next stop will be or if he will return to coaching. For the moment, he plans to take a break and consider his options.

“I have two years left before I can retire,” said Higgins. “After I do my 25, I don’t know if I’ll ever teach or coach again.”

According to Dallas County Schools administrative assistant Don Willingham, Higgins sent a resignation letter to Dallas County principal Don Ingram on Thursday. With Dallas County High on spring break this week, Willingham has not had an opportunity to speak with Higgins and likely will not see him before Monday.

Willingham confirmed that Dallas County has posted the vacated job, and it has received considerable interest.

“Word gets out awfully quick in the coaching fraternity,” said Willingham. “We’ve had phone calls already. It’s always difficult to bring somebody in the spring.”

Just as interest for the position has increased, the Dallas County administration has an idea of it wants from the next coach.

“They made a lot of progress this year. We certainly want to continue with that,” said Willingham. “We want to keep the program going in the direction it went this past year. We would love to have stability.”

The Hornets are slated to begin spring practice on April 24. A scrimmage game against Spanish Fort is scheduled on May 15.