Rochester Knighthawks head coach Paul Day, whose eight-year stint was the longest in National Lacrosse League history, announced his resignation today, citing the need for new challenges.

Day had been a coach with the Knighthawks since the team's creation in 1995, serving as Barry Powless' assistant coach before getting the head job three years later.

Since 2003, Day had also been the team's assistant general manager.

"It was a great eleven years in Rochester and it was a pleasure to be involved with the organization," Day said. "We have had unbelievable success, but it is time for a change. I think it will be good for the organization."

It also should be good for Day, who leaves Rochester with one significant gap in his resume -- a championship as head coach.

It's not for a lack of trying, though, as Day has racked up the second-most wins in league history in compiling a 75-39 regular-season record and three championship game appearances.

"I've done everything I can and kind of haven't gotten over the hump," Day said of the title drought. "I think maybe it's time for someone else.

"It's tough to go back on the bench year after year being close. You almost feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Ultimately, Day wasn't helped by the pressure of inheriting the defending league champions -- Powless' final game was the 1997 Major Indoor Lacrosse League title game, a 15-12 victory at Buffalo.

The Knighthawks never posted a losing record under Day, nor did they ever miss the playoffs. Four times, he guided the team to ten or more wins, including a 13-3 record in 2002 and a 10-6 mark this past season.

Day won the Les Bartley Award in 2004 by leading the Knighthawks to an 8-8 finish and a playoff berth despite season-ending injuries to several players.

Day also coached in the All Star Game three times, twice as head coach. His team won both games, each in overtime -- Canada 25-24 over the United States in 1999 (at Rochester) and East 11-10 over the West this season (at Calgary).

"We are truly proud of everything that Paul has done for this organization," Knighthawks general manager Jody Gage said. "We’ve had great success over the past eleven seasons. Paul handled all of the highs and lows with a lot of class."

It's not clear what Day's next move will be, although he expressed an interest in coaching again in 2006. He mentioned expansion Edmonton during today's press conference, and has been suggested in NLL circles for the head coaching job in Portland, another expansion team.

The Knighthawks gave no timeline for hiring a new head coach.