Union Pines is looking for a new head football coach.

Jason Furrie confirmed Monday that he has stepped down as head coach after one season. He declined to comment on the reason for his decision.

"I've enjoyed my time coaching the Union Pines players and working with their parents," Furrie said.

The Vikings finished 3-8 overall and 1-6 in the Cape Fear Valley Conference under Furrie, who was an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator under Elwood Baker in 2006 and 2007.

Baker retired after the 2007 season after three years as coach. The Vikings finished 7-5 in 2007 and advanced to the state playoffs.

Following a season-ending loss to Western Harnett, Furrie expressed optimism about the future of the program.

"This team certainly improved to close out the year," Furrie said after his team's 35-20 loss to Western Harnett. "We played a lot of tough games where we gave it our all and just came up a little short, but you have (to learn how) to compete before you can win. We have the competing part down now... that is for sure."

Tuesday, Furrie maintained that optimism and praised the student-athletes in the football program and said he is hoping that their hard work in the off season will pay dividends in the future.

"I think the program is in good shape," Furrie said. "The kids have continued to work hard in the weight room and with off-season conditioning."

Furrie said his future as a teacher at the school right now is "up in the air," and said he did not know the future of any of the members of the 2008 football coaching staff.

"I am out of the loop," Furrie said.

Furrie moved to North Carolina from Ohio in 1998. He taught at North Moore and then moved to East Lee Middle School, where he was the head middle school coach and assistant varsity coach.