DICKINSON — Citing a desire to spend more time with his family, Mike Odom resigned as head coach of the Dickinson High School boys basketball team Tuesday.

Odom led the Gators for seven seasons as part of his 29-year coaching career that included stops in Conroe, Pearland and League City — where he was an assistant for Buddy Carlisle at Clear Creek.

Odom, 53, said his decision was not an easy one, but one he believed is the best for him. He has two children — an 11-year old son and a 14-year old daughter. He is looking forward to nights at home instead of in the gym.

"Twenty nine years of doing the same thing can be kind of tedious on you," Odom said. "I was a dad half the year and a basketball coach the other half. I'll miss it. It was a tough decision."

Odom won more games than he lost at Dickinson. His tenure included a pair of playoff appearances in 2004 and 2005. Those teams were dominant at the local level.

The Gators were ranked as high as No. 4 in the state and went 28-8 during the 2003-04 season. They lost a second-round playoff game to Houston Jones, which featured current Cleveland Cavalier Daniel Gibson.

Dickinson went 25-10 the next year. Three players from those teams went on to play college basketball. The next two seasons ended with poor records, but the Gators rebounded to win 19 games this season.

"Nobody expected us to be that good and we still won 19 games," Odom said. "I was pretty proud of that. I didn't want to leave the seniors we'll have next season, but I think I've left them in good hands.

"I think the future is pretty bright for Dickinson basketball. We have something good going. Hopefully, the next coach will keep it up."

Odom will keep his job as a history teacher and plans to retire from Dickinson. He said teaching is just as rewarding as coaching.

"My goal wasn't necessarily wins and losses, but that the kids enjoyed it," he said. "I'm definitely not the greatest coach in the world, but I don't think anyone had as much fun as I did in the coaching profession. I had a lot of fun in the classroom, too, so that part won't go away."

He said he has not ruled out coaching in the future, although that is a discussion for another year. He sought advice from other coaches and teachers who had recently resigned or retired and heard the same general message: "You'll miss it, but you'll also enjoy your time off."

"I've been very blessed here at Dickinson," Odom said. "I've had some great kids. Out of all the 29 years I've coached and taught, these have been seven of the best ones."