This isn’t goodbye for Brett Jay, but more of a ‘see ya later.’

After five seasons at Moses Lake and 17 years as a head coach, Jay is stepping away after leading the Mavericks to a historic season with record-breaking quarterback – and his son – Brady Jay leading a high-octane offense.

“It was just the right time,” the older Jay said. “I’ve really enjoyed the relationships with both the players and coaches, but it got into February, and I knew it was time.”

Jay compiled a 40-13 record, guiding Moses Lake to back-to-back conference championships. The Mavericks set a school record with 11 victories, and advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2005.

He was voted the CBBN Coach of the Year the past two seasons.

“We worked hard for five years to get to that spot,” Jay said. “The development and progress we made was outstanding. Our players never flinched, our coaches never flinched.”

The success came with the backdrop of a school district struggling financially, which threatened the high school’s athletic programs.

“We went into the summer and didn’t know if we were going to have a season,” Jay said. “There was so much that went into it. It definitely weighed on us, but again – no flinch.”

Once the Mavericks took the field, the Mavericks rolled with Brady Jay rewriting the school’s record book, and also topping a state record.

The Montana-bound QB and two-time CBBN Most Valuable Player threw for 4,207 yards and 72 touchdowns as the Mavericks.

His touchdown total topped the state record set by New Orleans coach Kellen Moore, who threw 67 touchdowns in 15 games in 2006 for Prosser.

Jay’s career passing totals of 11,086 yards and 170 touchdowns rank sixth and second, respectively, in state history.

With Friday nights open, the coach, his wife Haley and two daughters more readily will be able to travel to Missoula for Grizzlies games.

“I can’t wait for games,” Jay said. “Our family is excited to make that trip all the time.”

The schedule also will be more open to attend sporting events of the couple’s two daughters, the oldest of whom will be a freshman this coming fall.

“At times you have to pick and choose, and that gets harder,” Jay said.

He also said his family loves Moses Lake, and that he was thankful he got to coach his son for four years.

Jay added that in his early 40s, he’ll likely return to football.

“I don’t think I’m done with football,” he said. “I think I love it now more than ever.”

Moses Lake athletic director said the opening has been posted and the school is searching for candidates.

OTHER FOOTBALL COACHING OPENINGS

CBBN

EASTMONT: Jay Foster stepped down after two seasons and an 11-8 record, and two appearances in the round of 32 both seasons. Status: The job hasn’t been filled.

SUNNYSIDE: Marshall Lobbestael, a former Washington State quarterback, resigned after going  20-20 in four seasons following his brother, John, in making the Grizzlies a perennial conference contender. Status: Former University of Washington running back Lavon Coleman was hired. The  Lompoc, Calif., native, rushed for 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in four seasons for the Huskies, and spent the 2018 season on the practice squads in Houston, Seattle and Green Bay, before being called up to the Packers’ active squad.

CWAC

GRANDVIEW: Alex Jeffrey stepped down after going 10-40 in five seasons leading the Greyhounds. Status: Grandview athletic director Scott Parrish said the job has been offered and accepted, and is waiting for the approval of the school board, which meets later this month.

OTHELLO: Hall of Fame coach Roger Hoell retired after 31 seasons and 238 victories. Status: The opening has been posted and the school is searching for candidates.

SCAC

CONNELL: Scott Forsyth is leaving the school as football coach and athletic director. He was 15-16 in three seasons. Status: The opening has been posted and the school is searching for candidates.