HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — It's the end of an era in high school football.

One of the winningest high school  football coaches in Tampa Bay area history is leaving for the college ranks.

Plant head coach Robert Weiner told his Panthers players at a standing room only meeting he is leaving to take a job at the University of Toledo.

Weiner took over the Plant program in 2004 and quickly turned it into a powerhouse. He led the Panthers to four state titles and two runner-up finishes. In only his second season as Plant’s head coach, he helped the Panthers cap off a perfect season with their first state championship.

In 16 seasons at Plant, Weiner compiled only two losing seasons.

He left the Plant program before in 2013 to take a job at USF, only to return within the week. This time, he says it’s different.

"I think what’s different this time is just that I’m ready for this challenge. I’m mentally ready for this challenge," Weiner said. "It’s time for me to take that step and to see what’s out there for me in that regard.

"How I might be able to impact people in a different way and different venue."