The Southwestern Central School Board of Education made Jehuu Caulcrick’s departure official when it approved his resignation Tuesday night.

Caulcrick announced his intention to step away from Southwestern’s Varsity football head coach position in September, a title he’s held since 2015. The former head coach accepted a position with the National Football League/Xenith in Detroit to research and develop the safety of player equipment.

Board members approved Caulcrick’s resignation unanimously at Tuesday’s regular meeting. The Southwestern board agenda notes that the resignation was accepted “with sincere thanks and appreciation for four years of dedicated service.”

Caulcrick’s letter read: “Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Southwestern students and community for the past four years.”

In the same meeting, Jake Burkholder was officially approved by the board as interim head coach effective Oct. 5.

Upon the announcement following a 42-0 victory over Fredonia, Burkholder, the defensive coordinator, was named as Caulcrick’s replacement. The school district intends on conducting a complete head coach search following the conclusion of the 2019 season.

In Caulcrick’s last game as coach, Southwestern defeated Lackawana 47-0.

“We appreciate the commitment Coach Caulcrick has given to our students, school and community,” said SWCS district Superintendent Maureen Donahue in a press release from the school. “We have full confidence that Coach Burkholder will continue a strong program.”

Ahead of what would have served as Burkholder’s first game as head coach, Southwetern’s opponent, Gowanda/Pine Valley, was forced to forfeit due to player injuries and being unable to field a team for Friday’s scheduled game. Southwestern improved to 6-0 overall and 1-0 in Caulcrick’s absence.

Caulcrick finished with an overall record of 31-11 during his time with the school district.

Scott Kindberg contributed to this story.