Citing a need to work closer to his family, Billingsley football coach and athletic director Kevin LeSueur resigned to return to Prattville, where he previously served as an assistant coach for six seasons.

The Autauga County Board of Education accepted LeSueur’s resignation at its May 28 meeting, Billingsley principal Van Smith said, and the process of finding a new coach has begun.

“He is a great coach and teacher,” Smith said. “He left here under great circumstances.”

Smith said the opening would be advertised for 14 days, then applicants would be considered by a panel that would include Billingsley administrative representatives, board personnel and someone with a coaching background.

“We will take input from the community, the booster club, but the final decision will come down to that team,” Smith said.

LeSueur said familial considerations led to his decision. LeSueur’s wife, Michelle, is a counselor at Prattville High School, and the couple and their 9-year-old daughter, Gracyn, reside there.

“My daughter is a diabetic, and there were times that she needed me,” LeSueur said. “Thirty-five minutes is an eternity when you’re trying to get there fast.”

LeSueur will teach at Prattville Elementary School but said he doesn’t know what his specific role will be with the football coaching staff.

Billingsley compiled a 14-9 record in LeSueur’s two seasons as coach, but LeSueur said he’s also proud of other accomplishments, such as strides that have been made in the weight room and the program being able to purchase new equipment and still be in the black financially.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “This was my lifelong dream, to be a head coach, and I’m very thankful to Mr. Smith for giving me the opportunity.

“This is probably one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make, professionally.”