When Tom Padjen graduated from T.F. South in 1968, he had no intention of returning to the school for any extended period.

He was headed to Iowa State to play tight end, and if everything worked out, possibly a career in the NFL.

The best-laid plans, however, don't always work out.

Padjen suffered a severe right leg injury his sophomore year in college, forcing him to consider Plan B.

“I had to reassess things,” Padjen said. “I realized I loved football and some family members who were coaches.”

Padjen ultimately returned to T.F. South as an assistant coach for three seasons before being named the fourth coach in school history.

That was in 1977.

Forty years and 234 wins later, Padjen has decided this season will be his last. The Rebels (7-2) host Rock Island at 7 p.m. Friday in a Class 6A first-round game.

“I still have the energy and spirit,” said Padjen, 66. “But there was something telling me to go out with this group. If I was going to pick out a group to go out with, this would be the one. These are very unique, outstanding young men.”

Padjen didn't notify the players of his intentions until Week 8. Not coincidentally, T.F. South was playing archrival T.F. North.

It's a rivalry as intense as any in the Southland.

How intense? I truly believe Padjen would have stuck around another year if T.F. North would have pulled the upset.

They didn't, of course. The Rebels prevailed 48-12 and took possession of the famed Mushroom-Wooden Shoe Trophy for another year.

“There was no way you could finish up your last game of your career against your archrivals with a loss,” Padjen said.

Prior to the regular-season finale against Bremen, T.F. South honored Padjen with a pregame ceremony.

Hundreds of former players made their way back to Lansing to honor their former coach, including greats Chris Clopton, Scott Mullen, Eric Rhodes, Rob Sterling, and Mike and Tom Holba. Some traveled from as far as Texas and Alabama to join in the festivities.

Padjen was surprised by the number of former players who came back to Lansing in his honor.

“Guys who meant so much to the Rebel football family,” Padjen said. “A tremendous amount of memories over the years. It was a rush of emotion and a lot of fun.”

T.F. South has advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals twice — in 1994 and 2002. But never to the big game, playing for the state championship.

Maybe this will be the year.

Maybe not.

Either way, Padjen's remarkable legacy won't be affected.

When you think of T.F. South, you think of Tom Padjen. Just as you do with Gary Korhonen and Richards, Frank Lenti and Mount Carmel, the late Dave Mattio and Marian Catholic. And, boy, did Padjen's Rebels and Korhonen's Bulldogs wage some unforgettable battles over the years.

“I idolized Gary Korhonen,” Padjen said.

Padjen took great pride leading his alma mater. He's a Rebel through and through.

He and his wife of 44 years, Jan, intend to do a little more traveling and spend additional time with their two grown children, Mark and Karie, and their three grandchildren.

Padjen used a quote during Friday's ceremony by former Minnesota Vikings coach Bud Grant to describe the keys to a successful career.

“He (Grant) said, ‘Every successful coach must have a devoted wife, a loyal dog and a great quarterback, but not necessarily in that order,' ” Padjen said. “My wife is a saint and has been so supportive.”

Jan Padjen sacrificed knowing how important it was to her husband to be the football coach at T.F. South.

“I fell to No. 3 on that list every year,” she said. “But I loved it. It's been football every single year for every single moment. But he has such a strong love for the kids and T.F. South. A red and gray Rebel is the heart and soul of my husband.”

There's no denying that.

pdisabato@tribpub.com

Twitter @disabato