"There's no doubt I'm going to miss this business," said Plummer. "I mean I've been in it for 37 years as a coach and as a player before that. You can't be in this business this long as a teacher and a coach and not miss it after you leave it."
Those close to Coach Plummer say is absence will be felt, from current students to alumni that played under him. Alumni like former NFL wide receiver Kevin Robinson.
"He was one of the guys that helped me out a lot and made sure I stayed on track with school," said Robinson. "He made sure I actually went to class, did my homework and did all the extra stuff. Like I said if it wasn't for him, some of the stuff I'm doing now wouldn't be possible."
"He loves kids. He literally loves kids," said longtime assistant coach Rick Lyons. "He wants to do the very best for the kids. He's always put the kids first. It's never been about wins and losses. It's never been about his ego or anybody's ego. The situation is Pat has always put the kids first. What's best for that kid."
And now it's time for the recent Hoover Football Hall of Fame inductee to do what's best for him. His son, Shawn, is a linebacker at Fresno State and will be a senior next year, meaning Coach Plummer will move from the sidelines to the stands.
"I respect a lot of people in this Valley and in this business, and what we do and how hard we work, and what we do for kids," said Plummer. "Hopefully that's the message people get bout old Coach Plummer. That's why I'm in this business."
