Waterford — Mike Ellis, who led Waterford High School to the state football playoffs twice, announced his resignation Wednesday after 14 seasons as head coach.

Ellis, who will remain a math teacher at the high school, cited family considerations.

"Our record the last few years wasn't good and that's on me," Ellis said. "Plus, my oldest daughter is going to be a senior at Fitch and I haven't seen her run a cross country meet yet. It's the right decision at the right time."

Waterford made the playoffs in 2011, but has gone a combined 13-18 since. Ellis finished 60-62.

"Mike did a good job here at Waterford and was an excellent role model and strong mentor for his athletes," athletic director Dave Sousa said in a released statement. "He worked extremely hard and our teams were always well prepared."

Ellis met with his players Tuesday to deliver the news.

"I liked the way we finished (Waterford won its last four games this past season) and it gave me some energy," he said. "But this is the right call. I told the kids they have a chance to be very, very good next year. But in order for them to get there, they need a new energy here, a new push."

Ellis played at Stonington, but admitted to "growing up at Fitch," where his father, Mike, was once the head coach.

"It's a difficult decision," Ellis Jr. said. "I got the chance to live my dream. This is always what I wanted to do. Leaving is hard. It's tough to walk away. But at the same time, I'm grateful for the opportunity."

m.dimauro@theday.com

Twitter: @BCgenius