UPDATED: Irmo Soccer Legend Phil Savitz to Leave for River Bluff High

Editor's note: This story was updated to include comments from Lexington-Richland 5 superintendent. 

Irmo High's soccer coach Phil Savitz has been named the coach at the new River Bluff High School set to open in Lexington District 1 in the fall.

Lexington 1's board approved hiring Savitz as its new boys soccer coach at a meeting on Tuesday. 

Savitz, who will coach Irmo for the final time this spring, led the Yellow Jackets to 617 wins and 13 state championships in more than three decades at the school. He is a member of the state athletic hall of fame.

Board members approved the move after executive session and did not name the coach, position they were hiring for or even the school, according to Lexington 1 spokeswoman Mary Beth Hill. Instead, the district approved "eight certified recommendations for the 2013–2014 school year."

But River Bluff High announced Savitz's hire on its website.

Savitz told The State it was his relationship with River Bluff Principal Luke Clamp that led to the move.

Savitz was making $64,892 annually at Lexington-Richland 5, according to figures provided to Patch last June. Savitz's pay for 2013-14 will not be finalized until the budget passes later this spring, according to Hill.

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District 5 Superintendent Stephen Hefner said, "Coach Savitz is an extraordinary coach and role model. He has had a tremendous positive impact on Irmo High School and District 5 over many years."

"We thank him for his stellar performance and service. While we will miss him, we wish him every success in his future endeavors."

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