District Five Superintendent Dr. Scott Turner made the announcement Monday afternoon.
Lane, a graduate of Byrnes, coached the Rebels to a 3-7 overall record and was 1-3 in Region II. Byrnes did not make the Class 5A playoffs. It's the first time Byrnes did not make the playoffs since 1999, when it had its last losing season.
Lane was 27-11 in three years as Byrnes head coach. Byrnes was 12-2 in his first two seasons. The Rebels won the Region II-4A title in 2014 losing to Dutch Fork in the state semifinals. Byrnes lost to Dorman in the state semifinals in 2015.
“I regret to announce that Brian Lane announced today he is stepping down as Head Varsity Football Coach at Byrnes High School,” Turner said. “This was entirely Coach Lane’s decision, as I expressed the District’s desire for him to remain as Head Coach of our program.”
“Brian and I, along with Principal Todd Hardy, have had many conversations in recent weeks regarding the overall state of the Byrnes football program, and our vision for future improvements," Turner said.
“In the end, Coach Lane decided it was best for him, and his family, to step down and pursue other opportunities. We respect his decision," Turner said. "District Five is grateful for Coach Lane’s contributions to Byrnes High School, and more importantly, his leadership of our student athletes over the last 3 seasons.
A search for a new head coach begins immediately, Turner said.
Lane was unavailable for comment.