For the fourth time in the last decade, Laramie High School will be searching for a new head football coach. Monday morning, Bob Knapton submitted his resignation letter to the administration.  He steps down after just four seasons with a 7-30 record and only two appearances in the class 4A playoffs.

Laramie High School principal Kim Sorenson confirmed the resignation Monday afternoon to KOWB (Townsquare Media).

We received a letter of resignation from Coach Knapton, and I have accepted that this morning. We're gonna start the process that takes place at the end of every year, and we've already begun that process, of evaluating the entire program, its success,' and areas where we think we can do better in. We've been deeply involved with that since the football season ended.

Multiple sources have told KOWB Radio that Knapton was forced out. Sources say he was given a choice last Friday to resign by yesterday or be fired. Multiple sources have also told us that the decision came from the "District administration level," and not necessarily from the high school administration. In fact, sources say Laramie High School Athletic Director Jeff Lewis was not involved or even consulted with during the decision process.

It was after a decision had been made that LHS principal Kim Sorenson was brought into this process.

Townsquare Media did contact Bob Knapton directly on Monday afternoon, but he declined comment. He did say the letter he submitted had been sent to parents and players, and he would provide a copy to us.

Laramie was once thought of as a standard-bearer of high school football in Wyoming. In fact, in the early 2000's, Laramie had the most wins of any high school football program in the state. Times have changed, as Laramie has dropped down that list to fourth.

Since 2001, the Plainsmen have struggled through three win-less seasons, three 1-win seasons and two 2-win seasons. They qualified for the playoffs only three times (2005, 2009, 2011) during this stretch.

Thus, Laramie will begin the search of finding a new coach.  Laramie  High School principal Kim Sorenson said,

It's not a process that I'm eager to repeat, but it's a necessary one, and one that we will do to the best of our ability. Looking for someone that can take over a very proud tradition of football, in a sports-rich community. Yes, we have accepted Coach Knapton's resignation, and we will begin the process of evaluating what our next head coach will look like and begin the process of seeking them.

The new hire will be the fourth in the last decade.  It's a far cry from two coaches that covered 59 years at Laramie High School prior to 2003.

More From KOWB 1290