Wade Henderson is leaving the Homeseekers Paradise after one season and less that a year on the job in the position of head football coach and athletic director at Brookhaven High School.

     He submitted his resignation Tuesday to Brookhaven School District Superintendent Dr. Lisa Karmacharya.

     “We believe in doing what’s right,” said Henderson.

     He met with his team Wednesday to inform them of his resignation. His Panthers posted a 7-5 record in 2011 and advanced to the Class 5A state playoffs in a major rebuilding campaign.

     Henderson inherited a playoff-rich tradition from former BHS coach Tucker Peavey, who coached the Panthers for nine years. Peavey had remained in the school system as director of maintenance. In late December, Peavey was hired at Southern Miss as offensive line coach.

     “My family and I have been very happy here,” said Henderson. “Sometimes, some things have to work both ways.

     “The Good Lord has something for us somewhere else,” said Henderson. “He has a plan for all of us.”

     Asked about his decision, Henderson said, “Loyalty should go both ways.”

     He refused to elaborate.

     Upon his arrival at BHS, Henderson didn’t make a major overhaul in the coaching staff. He elevated offensive line coach Mike Powell to the position of offensive coordinator. Powell left in December to become head coach at Parklane Academy, his alma mater.

     Henderson, 45, plans to finish the school year as athletic director. He said someone else will conduct spring drills.

     “I have enjoyed working with my staff,” said Henderson. “The community and overall support of our program have been great.”

     He and his wife, Tammy, have a 6-year-old son, Magnum, who is enrolled in kindergarten at Mamie Martin. His wife commutes daily to Jackson, where she is employed as a loan officer.

     A native of Ackerman, Henderson graduated from Ackerman High School in 1985. He played two years of football at Holmes Community College. He then transferred to Southern Arkansas University. He played football two more years at Millsaps College.

      He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. He earned his master’s degree in sports administration in 1993 from MSU. He worked as a defensive coach at Holmes Community College before taking the BHS job.