Joe Thornton is leaving Goshen again.

The head football coach of the Eagles left Goshen and came back for the 2005 season after spending time at Saks High School in Anniston.

The Pike County Schools Board of Education accepted Thornton’s resignation for a second time Tuesday at a special meeting.

Pike County Schools Superintendent Mark Bazzell was informed Tuesday about 8:30 a.m. by Goshen principal Dr. Al Griffin that Thornton had turned in his resignation.

“This was kind of short notice and we were not anticipating it,” Bazzell said. “It is my understanding that he is going to Enterprise to be an assistant coach there.”

Bazzell said no more details were known about the resignation, but the board plans to move forward as quickly as possible to find a new head football coach for the Eagles.

The resignation was accepted with one condition. Thornton had not put when he plans on leaving Goshen.

Bazzell recommended that the resignation be accepted with one condition.

He said Thornton must inform the board of a date he will work his final day as an Eagle.

Bazzell and the board agreed to post the job opening for a head football coach and athletic director at Goshen High School immediately.

Thornton led the Eagles to the playoffs in his first stint with the team in 2000 and 2001.

He got the Eagles back to the playoffs in 2008 for the first time since 2001.

They lost in the first round to Pickens County, 27-14.

Thornton could not be reached for comment at press time.