Plainfield South's Briscoe resigns

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:56PM

Plainfield South football coach Mike Briscoe resigned Tuesday in order to spend more time with his family.

Briscoe, who will continue as dean of students at South, took over a Cougars football program in 2005 that had won two games since the school opened in 2001. Under Briscoe, the Cougars were 36-22 overall, winning two Southwest Prairie Conference titles and earning two state playoff berths.

This season, the Cougars (9-2) were undefeated until dropping the final game of the regular season to Plainfield North, which helped bring about a three-way tie for the conference title among South, North and Minooka. The Cougars beat Minooka during the season, but Minooka turned the tables in the second round of the playoffs.

"I have four teenage children and I feel it's more important to focus my attention of them," Briscoe said.

"Football is a part of my life. I have been involved in football, either playing or coaching, since I was 12 years old. But I can always come back to it when I want to."

Athletic director Bob Yanello said Briscoe has gained the respect of students, faculty, administration and coaches.

"We are very fortunate at Plainfield South to have had a person with coach Briscoe's Knowledge, leadership and integrity," Yanello said. "He has created a solid foundation for the football program. We are sad to see him resign his position as head football coach, but we certainly understand and respect his wish to spend more time with his family."

"I cannot say enough good things about Mike," Plainfield South principal David Travis said. "He will be impossible to replace because of his exceptional character, and for everything he has done for the Plainfield South community."

Briscoe was a standout linebacker at Minooka and at Eastern Illinois University, and he returned to Minooka as an assistant coach and later the head coach. He also served as an assistant coach at Joliet Junior College before becoming head coach at Plainfield South.

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