Greenville Principal Dr. Kathy Murphy said that she will not have a recommendation to present the Butler County Board of Education on Thursday in regards to the placement of a new head football coach and athletic director at Greenville.

However she hopes to make a recommendation at a possible special called meeting with the board possibly later this month.

&#8220I believe we are close to finalizing the decision,” Murphy said in a statement to the Advocate.

Murphy said there were nine applicants for the position and that all were interviewed. One candidate removed his name from consideration on Monday, and another candidate has been asked to return to Greenville this week for a second interview.

The search for a new head coach to replace interim coach Mike Williams, who removed his name from consideration to take a coaching position at the University of Tennessee-Martin, has not been just Murphy's sole task.

The Greenville High principal along with Butler County Superintendent Mike Looney met with the schools athletic booster club as well as various city leaders and Greenville High athletic boosters about the position and what kind of person would be the right fit.

&#8220We need to dissect every applicant to make a determination which one of those applicants best fits the need of our community,” Looney said.

While one candidate is returning for a second interview, Looney said that doesn't mean the position is closed to any new applicants.

&#8220The application door is not closed,” he said. &#8220Until we have reached a final decision, the door is open to those who wish to apply.”