The man who put the bite in the Vicksburg Gators’ ferocious defense has left the program.

Defensive coordinator David Tadlock, who has held that position for the last two seasons, resigned on Monday.

Tadlock could not be reached for comment, but Vicksburg Warren athletic director Lum Wright Jr. said the coach left to pursue other opportunities, possibly as a head coach. Tadlock will continue teaching history at Vicksburg High through the end of the school year.

&#8220He went about resigning in a manner that was positive for everybody, letting them know what was going on,” Wright said. &#8220To have opportunities, he felt he’s going to have to move somewhere where he can be a head coach or a coordinator.”

Tadlock joined the Vicksburg coaching staff in 2000, and became the defensive coordinator when Robert Erves retired in 2004.

Under Tadlock’s tutelage, the Gators had one of the better defenses in Class 5A. VHS allowed an average of 15 points per game in 2004, and 16 per game this season.

Vicksburg posted shutouts in three of its last five games this season, including a 10-0 blanking of archrival Warren Central in the regular-season finale. The victory was VHS’ first at Warren Central in the 25-year history of the rivalry, and clinched a playoff spot for the Gators.

Vicksburg lost in the first round of the playoffs to No. 1 South Panola, 41-7, after trailing just 13-0 at halftime and finished the season with a 7-5 record.

The Gators will have six starters returning on the defensive side of the ball next season, as well as a number of young reserves.

&#8220He left the program in good shape,” VHS head coach Alonzo Stevens said. &#8220He left everything in place to make a run, and I’m dying to make that run.”

A new coordinator probably will not be hired until the end of the school year, Wright said. High school coaches are signed to one-year contracts that include a teaching slot, and new contracts are signed each summer.

Stevens said he was hopeful that the next coordinator would come from within the VHS program.

&#8220I’m looking inside. I’ve always believed you should reward your staff,” Stevens said. &#8220Inside the staff right now, we’ve got people capable of doing the job, and that’s the way we’re leaning right now.”