Culpepper steps down at TBT (Updated 7 p.m.)

The most prosperous era in Tampa Bay Tech football history concluded earlier today, when Titans coach C.C. Culpepper informed his players he is stepping down to join Doug Williams' staff at Grambling State University.

TBT principal Scott Brooks confirmed Culpepper, also a highly respected business teacher at the school, informed him first thing this morning he was resigning. He's the fourth Hillsborough County coach to step down -- either voluntarily or by force -- this offseason.

"When Doug Williams calls and asks you, I'm not sure how you tell him no," Brooks said.

Culpepper, who will coach defensive backs and work with special teams at Grambling, didn't immediately respond to a phone message. An Armwood High alumnus and former Hawks assistant, Culpepper installed a power-driven wing-T attack and fierce defensive philosophy to transform the county's most wretched program almost overnight.

Tampa Bay Tech, loser of 21 consecutive regular season games before Culpepper's arrival, finished 6-4 his first season. The next three years, the Titans went 26-9 with three playoff appearances.

"When we found him we knew we had the right guy to get the program to where it is," Brooks said. "Now it's looking to find the guy who can continue to build on what he established."

Williams said he was impressed with Culpepper's work when the Titans coach did an internship at One Buc Place in 2009, when Williams still worked in the team's front office, but knew him long before then.

Culpepper's mom, Zelma, is Williams' barber.

"The biggest thing about him is what he did at Tampa Tech," Williams said. "I think with a young coach like that coming in with young guys, especially seeing what he's done at Tech, speaks volumes of what kind of guy he is."

Brooks said defensive coordinator Jayson Roberts will be the interim coach until a new one is hired. The job will be posted immediately.