Jim Morgans is a Lehigh Valley guy. He did not spend his whole life here, but he made his mark.

After graduating from Allentown Central Catholic in 1964, Morgans headed down south for the next five years of his life. He attended junior college in Texas before finishing up his business degree and enjoying a football playing career in Louisiana.

But it was always about the Lehigh Valley, and Allentown in particular, that Morgans wanted to be a part of. And he loved football.

“I’d say to myself, ‘I want go back and coach football at Allentown Central Catholic, my alma mater and I want to be successful there,’” he said. “I always wanted to be the head coach at Parkland, too.”

Morgans has been around the game for 58 years. There was 47 years involved in coaching, and 33 years as the head guy. He could’ve used his degree to work in an office somewhere, but that was never the plan.

“That’s not my dream,” he said. “My dream was to coach this great game of football and do it well.”

And on Tuesday, one of the most successful coaches at the high school level, especially in Lehigh Valley football history, stepped down. He informed his team of the decision before making it public.

It was something that was in the back of his mind in the week leading up to the PIAA state final against Pittsburgh Central Catholic. He realized that could very well be his last game coaching.

“It was a hard decision,” Morgans noted. “It took a while, like a month or so after the season ended to truly know. I had a lot of free time and I enjoyed it, but deep down I felt guilty. The relationships I’ve formed with my players and coaches throughout the years, I am truly going to miss.”

Morgans spent time as the head coach for four high schools in the Lehigh Valley. At Central Catholic, Salisbury, Freedom and Parkland. Morgans compiled a record of 262-137-1 as a head coach.

In his 11 years at Parkland, he has led teams to five District 11 titles, including four in a row the last four years, and a trip to the state final two times.

“The only thing that’s a negative is not winning the state championship this year, but I don’t even want to say that because of how proud I am of our kids and how well they did,” said Morgans. “My 11 years at parkland were awesome, unbelievable, with the kids we had and the things we’ve accomplished. I’ve been blessed.”

Morgans turned 70 on March 10, and figured this was the best time to step down.

“I just want to take a step back,” he said. “Let me take a look at where I am right now, so I’m taking a year off. Who knows what’s going to happen. Hopefully my health stays good. We’ll see what happens.”

But one thing is for sure, he will still be a fixture around the Parkland sports scene.

“You’ll still see me out at football and basketball games,” he said. “I’m still going to be one of the biggest supporters out there.”