Casey Lindberg, who led the Bremerton High School boys basketball team to seven district and two state tournament appearances in 11 seasons, will leave the district at the end of the month.

Lindberg will begin as assistant principal at Kopachuck Middle School in Gig Harbor starting July 1, he said Tuesday after informing his players.

In addition to boys basketball, Lindberg coached boys and girls tennis and was a classroom instructor.

“It’s bittersweet,” he told the Bremerton Patriot. “The hardest thing is leaving the kids. It’s tough for me, it’s tough for them. I’ve always kind of held on to the coaching and teaching positions at Bremerton, but this is a really good opportunity for me.”

Lindberg left on a high note, coming off the school’s first appearance in the state tournament since 1999, when the Knights placed fifth.

His departure opens the door not only for the basketball program’s top coaching position, but the boys and girls tennis programs as well.

Lindberg, who lives in Silverdale with his wife, Kara, said his family will not move.

He plans to stay in touch with his current and former players.

“I love Bremerton,” he said.