Interim coach could lead Tigers
Published 12:00 am Friday, July 22, 2005
It's less than five weeks before high school football season kicks off, and Butler County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney has already devised a gameplan.
Since Greenville High head football coach Alvin Briggs surprisingly resigned on Monday, Looney has been working with Greenville High Principal Dr. Kathy Murphy to formulate a plan to find a new head football coach this late in the summer since the first day of football practice is almost two weeks away.
Recognizing the availability of quality head football coaches for a school the size of Greenville may be at a premium, Looney said the likelihood of hiring an interim head football coach for this upcoming season is "high."
"That decision will be contingent on the next few days," he said. "Unless we have someone come to us who has an incredible coaching record, more than likely my recommendation to the board will be to hire an interim coach to move the (football) program forward."
The board agreed to hold a special called meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 2. Looney said it is likely that an interim coach could be named by then. He also said that an interim coach could be named who is not necessarily on the present football staff.
And that interim position could be made permanent within three months or as late as next year, he said.
However, the interest in the position has been high considering Looney said he has had inquiries as far away as Canada.
Following a 2-8 season, Briggs submitted his resignation Monday morning. Briggs, who is a Greenville High alumnus, coached the Tigers for four seasons. He led Greenville to the three straight playoff appearances in his first three seasons before last year's disappointing campaign.
In looking for a new head football coach and athletic director, Looney said that he wants the search to be a "diligent process."
"We don't want to just rush through this," he said following Thursday's regularly scheduled board meeting. "We will get the right person for the school and the program."
Until an interim coach is named, summer weight-training workouts are continuing and the Tigers are scheduled to participate in a team camp later this month, according to Murphy.
Looney also said that the search process for a new football coach isn't left up to just Murphy and himself. He is asking for public input as to what kind of coach would be a good fit at Greenville High.
"I want everyone in the county to give me some input on what they would look for in a new head football coach," Looney said.