A former basketball coach for Maricopa High School is expected to return next year – this time as district athletic director, school officials said Wednesday.

Jake Neill began as MHS head coach of boys’ basketball and PE teacher in 2012 and resigned after four years to pursue a career in administration. He’s currently assistant principal and AD for Poston Butte High School in San Tan Valley.

Prior to MHS, Neill coached at Mesa Westwood High for six years.

Neill is slated to replace Brian Winter as he transitions from district AD to MHS principal next school year.

Superintendent Steve Chestnut said Neill was interviewed Feb. 8 and recommended the candidate be hired by the Maricopa Unified School District board during a meeting Feb. 14.

The board will vote on the recommendation Feb. 28. If approved, Neill’s start date will be July 1.

Neill declined to comment until after the governing board votes on the recommendation.

Governing Board Members approved the same night the retirement of MHS Teacher on Special Assignment Michele Shaffer.

Shaffer’s administrator role at the high school coordinated the CTE department. She has worked at MHS for nearly 10 years, according to an online biography. District documents state Shaffer’s expected to retire at the end of the school year.

Jake Neill

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