Steve Knox tendered his resignation on Friday to step down after 16 seasons as the head coach of the Austin High School football team.

Knox finished his coaching career with his toughest season. The Packers went 2-8 with four losses of eight points or less, including one to eventual Class 5A champion Mankato West. Knox ended with a 76-79 overall record as the Packers' head coach.

"I didn't want to go public with it because I was kind of hoping he would change his mind," said Austin activities director Naomi Hatfield. "He's such a good guy."

Knox, 51, will continue his career as an educator at Ellis Middle School, teaching health and physical education.

Austin never made it to the state tournament under Knox, but the Packers reached the Section 1 finals three times during his campaign.