We may be months away from the start of softball season but that doesn’t mean changes aren’t happening.

The Tahoma Bears will have a new head coach come spring.

After coaching 12 years at Tahoma High School, Tom Milligan is stepping down. He also spent four years coaching at Tahoma Junior High.

“There were many factors ultimately in my decision but primarily it was spending more time with family,” he wrote in an email.

With his time freed up, Milligan said he will spend time being a husband, dad and teacher. He added, he may find time to travel and coach his son.

Milligan has started his new job as a health and physical education teacher at the junior high.

The thought to resign has been around for a year or so.

“I had thrown the notion of doing a little something different in conversations with my close friends and my wife,” he said.

When asked if he would return to coaching some day, he said maybe.

“I really just want to enjoy the time I currently have,” Milligan said.

During his time with the Bears, he was 211-128. And in 2015, Milligan led the Bears to win the state title.

“Tom took over a program that had been struggling,” athletic director Tony Davis said. “Through his efforts the sport has become relevant in our community and it created interest in some of our school’s top athletes.”

Under the direction of Milligan, the Bears have made six consecutive appearances at the state tournament.

Davis added, “we will miss him.”

The Bears are currently looking for Milligan’s replacement and Davis said anyone interested can contact him.