MHS finally has new head football coach

After months of waiting and many interviews, Maricopa Unified School District has hired a new head high school football coach.

Monday night the district’s governing board approved Ohio Division 1 coach Gary Mattes to coach the Rams during the 2009-2010 school year.

“Mattes is a fabulous coach and a wonderful teacher,” said high school principal June Celaya. Mattes comes to the Rams with 16 years of head coaching experience and five league championships.

“It was very difficult filling this position,” Celaya said. Difficulties in finding a new coach primarily revolved around the budget difficulties and teacher layoffs plaguing the state’s schools.

“Many of the potential hires were concerned that if they changed districts they would be the last hire and the first in line for a possible future RIF (reduction in force),” said athletic director Mike Larsen.

Another issue Larsen indicated he had in finding a coach was an Arizona requirement that mandates head coaches also be qualified teachers.

“We couldn’t just go out and hire a football coach and stick them in a teaching position,” Larsen said. “We had to find a person who is highly qualified in both aspects.”

Of the other four coaches interviewed for the position, three were Arizona residents and one was from out of state.

Those interested in meeting the new coach will have that opportunity tonight (Tuesday) at 7 p.m., as Mattes will host a meet and greet in the lecture hall at Maricopa High School, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.

“We are extremely excited to have made this hire,” Celaya said.

File photo