The coaching search continues: WCHS officials sifting through applications
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When that day comes, the ongoing search for the next Warren County High School coach is expected to expand. But the quest to find the next man to take the Pioneers’ reins has already begun.
A committee has been formed, and has been working recently in the beginning stages of the process to replace Gerald Tidwell, who stepped down from the helm of the program midway through the 2003 season.
WCHS administrators and representatives of the search committee, chaired by WCHS principal James Bennett, began wading through the group of approximately 20 applications they have already received last week, but have not set a deadline for hearing from potential candidates.
“What’s happening right now are discussions about how to go about the process of interviewing, and talking about what everyone sees as the things that have to be done to improve the program,” said WCHS athletic director Andy Jacobs. “There is a sense of urgency about getting someone hired, but you also want to make the right choice.”
One of the most notable things about the search for the next Pioneer football coach is the interest in the job coming from the members of the 2003 coaching staff.
As of this writing, four members of Tidwell’s coaching staff have applied for the position. Defensive coordinator John Dryden, who served as interim head coach for the final five games of the 2003 campaign, as well as offensive coordinator Mike Lytle and assistant coaches Matt Turner and Chris Madewell have all thrown their hats into the proverbial ring.
“I guess with the four local applicants, it shows they believe the program can be turned around — or else they wouldn’t be applying,” Jacobs said. “That’s an encouraging thing for the committee to see.
“But the whole committee’s taking their time, because the kids deserve to have the very best coach that can possibly be selected. They want the best coach available. Whether it’s someone local or someone from outside (the school system) remains to be seen.”
The seven-member search committee was scheduled to have another meeting Tuesday to discuss the current crop of applicants.
The next Pioneer head coach will be the team’s fifth in the last 10 years, and will take over a program which has won just three of its last 50 contests.