In a surprising move, Odessa Permian head football coach Blake Feldt resigned Monday, July 16, 2018, to accept a job as the athletic director with Midland Independent School District.

The news was first reported by Jake Gadon of CBS 7 in Midland.

Feldt's departure is eye-opening for several reasons -- namely that it comes so late in the summer, leaving Permian little time to scramble and find a new head coach.

Permian's season opener is Aug. 31 at home against DeSoto. The Panthers' first practice will be held Aug. 13.

Feldt is also leaving a team that went 9-2 last year and returns six starters on each side of the ball, including highly recruited quarterback Peyton Powell and 1,400-yard running back Ed Williams.

Permian was picked as the favorite to win the District 2-6A title by Texas Football magazine.

Feldt was 38-18 in five years with Permian, but his roots are in Midland. He graduated from Midland High School in 1979.

Feldt guided Pilot Point to the Class 2A Division I state championship in 2009. He has an overall record of 129-75 in 18 seasons, which includes stops at Breckenridge and Buda Hays.