(WVLT) -- William Blount head football coach Scott Meadows will take a one-year leave of absence from the football team, Meadows told WVLT Wednesday afternoon.

Meadows, who has coached at William Blount for four seasons, told the Sports Overtime team he would remain at the school in a teaching capacity, but will take a one-year break from coaching the team due to personal reasons.

In a release from the school, Meadows cites "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason for the hiatus. "This leave of absence is solely for personal and family reasons," Meadows writes, mentioning a family "tragedy."

"This leave of absence is something that has to be done in order for our family to get through everything that has happened."

Defensive coordinator Rich Wilhite will take over as interim head coach. Wilhite coached under Meadows at Jefferson County and has coached with him all four seasons at William Blount. He has been named Region 2-5A's top defensive coordinator each of the past two seasons.