AUSTIN, Texas -- Concordia University Texas head men's soccer coach Dan Darden has announced his resignation.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Concordia who gave me the opportunity to serve as a head coach," said Darden.  "It's been a great learning experience.  I want to thank former Athletic Director Linda Lowery who hired me and Athletic Director Dan Huntley for supporting my advance at Concordia.  I appreciate all of the work the athletic department staff puts in to create a positive environment for every team.  But most of all I'd like to say thanks to my players.  We've had a lot of players with outstanding character during my tenure."

Darden, a long-standing figure for Concordia soccer, has compiled a 6-27-2 overall as the head coach of the Tornados program.  Darden also spent one year as the assistant coach prior to taking over the top job.

"We are sorry to see Dan leave the Concordia family at this time," said Huntley.  "As a student-athlete, graduate and coach at Concordia, Dan exemplified all of the values, commitment and dedication that we expect from our students and staff.  He was just catching his stride as a head coach and will be missed by our University."

Darden spent four seasons as a goalkeeper for the Tornados between 2003-2006.  In 2004, he posted 161 saves in 13 games, which stands as the second best single-season performance in Concordia history.  Darden is Concordia's all-time career leader in saves, stopping 389 shots in his four-year career.

A search will begin immediately to find Darden's replacement.