Saying he accomplished what he set out to do when he took the job, Ed Pierce has stepped down after five seasons as head football coach at Western Albemarle.

"Really, all I wanted to do was see that program headed in the right direction," Pierce said by phone Tuesday evening.

Western athletic director Steve Heon announced Pierce's resignation in an email Tuesday afternoon. Heon says the school hopes to name a replacement by April 1.

Pierce went 33-22 in his five seasons leading the Warriors, and his last three teams each reached the Region II playoffs. His best season was in 2009, when Western went 10-2 -- splitting the Jefferson District title with Goochland -- and reached the Region II semifinals.

This past season, the Warriors ended the regular season on a four-game winning streak, clinching a postseason berth with a 24-14 win at Louisa in the regular season finale. Western lost 42-40 at Monticello a week later, in Pierce's final game as head coach.

"These are special kids," Pierce said. "I will certainly miss coaching. Western is a special place."