Shannon Gerrety called it an emotional, tough decision.

A 1984 Blaine graduate, Gerrety, a former linebacker, returned to the football program in 1985 as an assistant coach. He took the head coaching job in 2002 when former coach Dave Nelson left for Minnetonka.

And now, after almost 30 seasons of Blaine football, Gerrety must step aside. He recently accepted the school's activities director position, which gives him better professional stability but comes with a price. District 11 does not allow administrators to coach.

"It's not what we do and I have to honor that," Gerrety said. "But I love Blaine High School and I love all the athletic programs here. It's an opportunity for me to be a leader."

Gerrety helped maintain the Bengals place as one of the state's big-school football powers. They reached the section finals 14 consecutive times from 1992 to 2005 and advanced to state eight times during that stretch. After Blaine suffered a rare losing season in 2007, Gerrety overhauled the offense, installing a spread attack that put Blaine in the 2008 Class 5A championship game.

The offense produced three of the state's top dual-threat quarterbacks in recent years: James Peterson, Eric Kline and Duke Anyanwu.

In his activities director role, Gerrety hopes to help all students find their niche.

"I'm going to encourage multi-sport athletes," Gerrety said. "There are a lot of good coaches in our building our kids can learn from. And I'd like to see every kid put their handprint on Blaine High School somehow. Kids need to belong and be involved."

Offensive coordinator Tom Develice moves to interim head football coach. Gerrety said he is starting the process of preparing to make his first hire -- his permanent successor.