Paul Gonnella officially stepped down as the Cambridge football coach after the Falcons' 42-6 loss to Everett on Thanksgiving.

Gonnella finishes his three-year career at Cambridge with an 18-14 record. The Falcons didn't reach the playoffs during Gonnella's tenure, having lost to Everett each year, including the last two with the Greater Boston League title on the line.

"Speaking with the team [Thursday], it was hard because they know how much I do for them," he said. "Right now, we've got six to seven kids who are potentially college kids, that could play college football."

Gonnella told his team, "If any of you guys want to continue to get my help in that area, you need to call me."

Gonnella's departure is sudden, but not entirely unexpected. Gonnella took a leave of absence for several weeks during the season, and the reason for the hiatus has not been publicly revealed.

He discussed his football plans when reached by phone late last night. Gonnella will coach in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 5, a gathering of high school football prospects from around the country.

There are eight coaches per team in a battle of East vs. West. Gonnella said he received a call from the head coach of the East squad, but insists that his coaching responsibilities are still "up in the air." He went on to say that the offensive coordinator position for the East team will most likely be his position on the team.

Although Gonnella said he is exploring coaching opportunities at the college level, he said that he does not have a preference between coaching in high school or college. He said that he has been contacted by "big" high schools in Georgia and Florida about possible job openings.