Former Coastal Carolina University football coach David Bennett officially announced his decision not to run for South Carolina's new 7th Congressional District seat to NewsChannel 15 Wednesday afternoon.

Bennett said after praying on whether or not to dive into the political arena, he has decided not join the race.

"I have felt an adrenaline rush to be a part of the race of the new district from Horry which is our home to Chesterfield county which is the home that I'm from," explained Bennett. "We made a family decision that it'd be tough to do because there's so many to me great friends that are running. Our wish is that and our prayer is that whoever wins, be it a Republican or a Democrat, that they will put God first. They will put family right after God."

Bennett said he turned down the idea three times before, but then his son made him reconsider.

Bennett coached the Chanticleers for 11 seasons before being dismissed in December.

Today, he volunteers as a coach for his son's high school golf team and keeps busy doing speaking engagements.

Though Bennett has never run for office before, one Conway Rotary Club member who has long been active in Republican politics said the former coach could quickly become a top candidate in the race.

Eight other Republicans already in the race, along with five Democrats.

The deadline to file is March 30.