By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

When James Thomas took over the West Bloomfield High football program three years ago, he had a simple goal: Get the team on a winning track.

After finishing one of the most successful three-year spans in school history, he’s ready to step down.

“I’m getting a little bit older now, and I have two grandchildren, and you know how grandfathers are about their grandkids,” the 54-year-old said. “You want to spend more time with them, but the head football coach position is pretty much an everyday thing all year long. There’s not one day that goes by where you’re not thinking, planning or speaking about football. I’ve coached for a long time, and it’s time for me to step back.”

In Thomas’ three years, the Lakers were 16-12, including a 5-4 mark this season. Other highlights include a playoff appearance last season, the program’s first since 2000.

Thomas’ 16 wins in three years is the best mark since 1991-93, when the team won 18 games. The Lakers had six consecutive losing seasons before Thomas took over on the sidelines.

“He did some great things for us,” West Bloomfield Athletic Director Dewayne Jones said. “He brought the kids together and created some excitement about football. … He instilled a sense of pride for the program and overall did a nice job of bringing all the aspects of football together.”

Jones added that he hoped to fill the position in the coming weeks.

Thomas credited much of the Lakers’ success to his assistant coaches. He said his philosophy was to get out of their way and let them do their jobs. In particular, Thomas’ son, Jamie, called every offensive play.

Jamie Thomas said his dad was an inspiration.

“He’s been a head coach as long as I can remember, and that’s something I aspire to be,” he said. “He’s definitely someone that I look to — to see how he does things and the way he handles his relationships with kids and people. It was a great experience to be with him, not just because he’s my dad, but because he’s great at what he does.”

The elder Thomas said he expects West Bloomfield to continue to be competitive and believes it can be even better next season.

He also said he doesn’t expect to return to coaching, unless it meant coaching his 2-year-old grandson, James Peter Thomas, when he gets to high school.

“We already know he’s going to be a monster,” he joked. “If I can still walk or get in a wheelchair, I’ll get to the field.”

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.