NATCHEZ — Cathedral School football coach Ron Rushing is departing the school for Brookhaven Academy.

Rushing leaves Cathedral after a successful six-year head coaching run from 2010-2015, which included three MHSAA region titles and a 2014 MHSAA Class 1A state championship.

“It’s just a good move for my family,” Rushing said. “They called me, and they want to build their program back up … They’re really dedicated to getting it back to where it should be … I’m excited about (the challenge) and looking forward to the opportunity.”

Rushing, who also serves as an assistant on the Green Wave baseball staff, said he will finish out the school year at Cathedral before moving on to Brookhaven Academy.

“My entire time (at Cathedral) has been amazing,” Rushing said. “I can’t say one bad thing about (Cathedral). I’ve had a great time here, and that’s one reason the decision was so difficult. I’ve gotten really close with the kids, and we’ve done a lot of great things.”

Cathedral athletic director Craig Beesley said that while he is sad to see Rushing depart, he understands the move.

“We’re disappointed to see (Rushing) go, but it’s a good opportunity for him and his family,” Beesley said. “We’ve enjoyed having him the past six or seven years, but it’s something that happens in the teaching and coaching fields.”

Beesley said there is currently no timetable for a new hire.

“We’re going to get together as a committee later this week and discuss some people,” Beesley said. “We have some names in mind, some have been through our school system and some alumni that have reached out.”

Beesley noted there are certain qualities the committee will look for in the new coach.

“We want to bring in a good football coach, but also a good person and good role model for our kids,” Beesley said. “We want someone that will be here for a while, rather than someone that will stay for just a year or two.”

Beesley preceded Rushing as the Green Wave head football coach, where Rushing served on Beesley’s staff as offensive coordinator in 2009. Rushing came to Cathedral after spending two years at Trinity Episcopal.

Rushing’s first full-time football job came at Brookhaven Academy in 1999. Rushing previously accepted an offensive coordinator post at Brookhaven High School in April 2012 before opting to remain with the Green Wave.

“I’ve always kept up with (Brookhaven Academy),” Rushing said. “It’s an unbelievable school, a really tightknit, family school. We’re excited to be back a part of that.”

With the Green Wave’s move from MHSAA to MAIS competition last summer, Cathedral and Brookhaven Academy are now MAIS District 4-AAA rivals.

Cathedral went 9-3 last season, while Brookhaven Academy finished 0-10. The Green Wave won the only meeting between the two schools last year, 41-6.