After leading Free State High’s girls basketball program for the past 14 years, Bryan Duncan told his team Tuesday that he was resigning as head coach.

Duncan led the Firebirds to the Class 6A state tournament three times, most recently in 2010. The Firebirds had a 14-8 record last season before suffering a loss in the sub-state championship game.

Free State High coach Bryan Duncan shouts instructions to his players from the bench during the City Showdown game against Lawrence High on Friday evening at FSHS. The Lions defeated the Firebirds, 52-43.

“Really, it was a simple decision for me that’s probably weighed on me for the last couple of seasons, to be frank,” said Duncan, who will continue to be a counselor at the school. “I have a 4-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy, and my wife and I both work full-time jobs. That’s where my passion is at now — with my two kids. I certainly loved basketball, but I need to be with my kids more.”

After news started to spread Tuesday night, Duncan heard from several of his former players via texts and phone calls. For him, the wins were a bonus. It was about the relationships that he made with his players, coaches and parents that mattered most to him.

In the past six seasons, after the last trip to the state tournament, the Firebirds have won at least 10 games.

“I’m really proud of the program that we — not just me — developed at Free State, with a lot help from the players, coaches and parents through the years to what I consider a top-five program in the state,” Duncan said. “I’m very proud of that.”

Duncan, who helps run youth basketball tournaments, said he has no desire to continue coaching in the near future.

“Once I decided to stay at Free State, after year six or seven, I kind of knew in my mind that this would be my last coaching stop,” Duncan said. “I didn’t pursue any other coaching jobs, and this is the place that I wanted to be. I’m staying on at Free State as a counselor. I love the school, and I support everything about it and the athletic program. I’ve never viewed myself as a career coach.”

With extra free time, Duncan said he’s looking forward to traveling with his wife and young kids in the summer.

“There’s not a lot of home time, and something had to give,” Duncan said. “Certainly, my thoughts for coaching and basketball are incredible, but it was best for my family, and frankly, best for our program. It’ll be a good change for everybody.”