Washington High School basketball coach and athletic director Danny Lamb resigns

Washington High School will have a new face leading the athletic department once the school year begins.

After serving as athletic director the past two years, Danny Lamb announced via Facebook he has resigned from the position. Somerset County Supervisor of Public Relations Leo Lawson said the resignation was routine after Lamb applied and accepted another position.

He was named athletic director Aug. 19, 2016, replacing Chad Moletress, who left Washington to take the same role at Indian River.

Lamb said he's taken a job with a school district close to his home and will work with students with autism. The position allows him to spend more time with his family and newborn baby, Auden. 

"Family is very important to me," Lamb said. "I have enjoyed my time at Washington. From getting my first varsity coaching opportunity with the girls program for two years, to becoming the school's athletic director and boys head coach was a dream come true."

Lamb will also step down as Washington’s head boys basketball coach — a role he held since 2016, after replacing longtime coach Nick Purnell.

Lawson said Jaguars’ golf coach Bill Knopf will replace Lamb as athletic director. However, the search for a new basketball coach continues.

"At times, balancing the (athletic director) and head coaching positions became overwhelming, but when you are passionate about what you are doing, it makes things a little easier," Lamb said. "I enjoyed the challenge." 

BACKGROUND: Lamb succeeds Purnell as Jaguars boys' basketball coach

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During his tenure, Lamb compiled a 25-21 record and helped in the development of players like Josh Sproul, Dorian Stevens and Khalid Gates.

A former basketball player at Mardela and Delmar, Lamb took his game to the college level, playing at Delaware Tech before transitioning into a coaching role after graduation.

Prior to his appointment as Washington athletic director, the Shore native coached AAU and served as the Jaguars’ girls basketball coach for two seasons, saying his proudest accomplishment was helping his players grow as athletes and people. 

"I am most proud of the growth of my players in the program and those who we were able to send to college to continue their academic and athletic careers," Lamb said. "I was fortunate to have been able to coach several All-State and All-Conference players, both with the girl's and boy's programs." 

But Lambs said he also learned from his athletes, giving him the tools and knowledge to better his own life moving forward. 

"I want players — past and present — to know that they have made me grow as a person and coach," he said. "I will always remember their commitment to the program and trust in my guidance." 

Lamb said he will truly miss all the students, parents, colleagues and others he worked with throughout the past four years. While he's unsure who will replace him on the sidelines, the former Washington coach said his successor will inherit a load of talent. 

"There are a bunch of great kids at Washington with unlimited potential," Lamb said. "I will miss the relationships that I had with my players, helping them become better young men and athletes." 

While he doesn't have plans to coach in the upcoming basketball season, Lamb hasn't officially closed the door on returning to the court in the future. 

"I would be interested in coaching in Delaware ... if the situation presented itself at a school close to my home in Delmar," Lamb said. 

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