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Decision on head football coach hire imminent

Jan 1, 1970

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There’s an old saying. “The best things come to those who wait.” In terms of the Maricopa High School boys’ varsity football team, the wait for a new head coach may soon be over.

A selection committee that includes Burnie Hibbard, assistant superintendent, Santa Rosa Principal Rick Abel, Interim Athletic Director Shannon Hull, community member Mary Wilson and Maricopa High School Principal June Celaya hope to decide on the hiring of the new coach today.

Hull has spearheaded the process. “It is very interesting to see the diversity in coaches,” Hull said. “We had a huge pool of candidates to look at. It was narrowed down to 16 interviews.”

From the candidates the committee interviewed, the process has been dwindled down to the top three or four the committee is discussing in great detail. “I know that we will get the right person for Maricopa and the athletics program as a whole,” Hull said. “I was nervous going into the interview process, but now I am just excited about what a new coach can bring to Maricopa High School.”

Hull said the most important quality for the next head coach to have is high standards on and off of the field. The new coach should expect high quality effort from his players both academically and on the field, she said. “When they expect the athletes to do their best, they will do their best.”

Whenever a new coach is implemented, the team has an adjustment period. Hull believes the hiring of a new coach will give the players a fresh start.

“A coach is such an important person in an athlete’s life; we remember how that coach made us feel, how they motivated us and how they made us want to get better.” Hull said. “I owe so much to my coaches growing up, from Mr. Alderman, my elementary P.E. coach to Ruth Zimmerman, my high school soccer coach. Athletics and my coaches got me through high school and into college. I want someone that will affect my kiddos the positive way my coaches affected me.”

Hull also believes the coach will play a big role in the future of the football program. “This hire will influence so many people’s lives, and that is why I am taking this so seriously and want to get the best person in this position.” Hull said. “They have the ability to shape the athletics culture at MHS in a new and positive way.

Hull wants to see the expectations for the next coach continue to grow. She hopes the new hire will raise the standards, expect more from the players and create an atmosphere of respect. “Where the athletes respect the coaches, the coaches respect the athletes, and the athletes respect and trust each other.” Hull said. “I expect a solid spring and summer program to get our football players ready for next season.”

Hull says she plans on offering the job to a short list of candidates by today. After the candidate accepts the position, a public announcement should be made within a week. Watch a video highlight package below.