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Health issues force the Tampa Bay Tech coach to quit after back-to-back playoff appearances.
By MIKE READLING, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 30, 2002
TAMPA -- After turning Tampa Bay Tech from a laughingstock into one of the county's top teams, coach John Colbert has resigned due to health concerns.
Tampa Bay Tech athletic director Brad Woods confirmed Tuesday that Colbert, who coached the Titans for five years, has left his post but will remain a part of Tech's faculty as a physical education teacher. "He's got some health issues and he resigned because of that," Woods said, noting the issues weren't life-threatening.
Colbert couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.
Woods said he is advertising the position in the administrative bulletin and hopes to have the job filled by the end of February with someone who will join the school's faculty.
Colbert took over the Titans in 1997, winning just two of his first 19 games, a stretch that included an 0-10 1998 season. Tech improved to 3-7 in 1999 and captured the team's first playoff appearance in 2000 despite finishing 5-6.
Last season, Tampa Bay Tech finished second in its district at 8-2. It was the second eight-win season in school history.
In his final game, Tampa Bay Tech lost to Lakewood 21-20 in the Class 4A region quarterfinals.