Ryan Purtell is stepping down as the head boys basketball coach, to take over as assistant principal at Sherman High School.

Purtell coached the Bearcats for two seasons. He won the district championship this year, after failing to make the playoffs in his first year in Sherman.

"I know I will miss it," Purtell said. "Come October, I know at that point I will miss it. But I am excited about this opportunity."

Purtell took over for long time coach Jeff McCullough in 2010. McCullough is now the head coach at Norman High School.

Purtell continued the Sherman Holiday Invitational, a tournament that has become a staple of Sherman basketball. KXII has traditionally televised the finals of the celebrated event.

Sherman will begin looking for a replacment immediately.