Niceville football reveals timeline on finding Thompson's successor
FTW NICEVILLE — The shock from Grant Thompson's resignation has only increased since the Daily News broke the news March 5. Now the biggest question remains: Who'll be his successor?
Niceville High principal Charlie Marello revealed a bit of clarity Friday concerning that timeline.
"The head football coach position is currently advertised and will close on March 20th," Marello said. "In accordance with Okaloosa County School District policy, all applications will then be reviewed by the NHS Screening Committee with interview opportunities extended to roughly 8 to 10 applicants. Before finalizing the list of candidates to interview, the top candidates will be referred to the OCSD Human Resources Department for an employment eligibility review to include a preliminary background check and a certification eligibility check
"After the interviews, a candidate will be selected and recommended for the position at the April 14th School Board meeting."
That'll give the new coach a couple of weeks to prepare for the start of spring football, which begins April 28. That'll also give the hiring committee ample time to make the right hire.
“The timing of Spring Break and the Board meeting schedule slows us down a little, but it’s important that we take our time, fully research our candidates and find the right coach for our team," Marello said. "Currently we have over 50 applicants in just the first few days of it being advertised with candidates from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Missouri and New Jersey."
What makes this job so coveted?
For starters, this team is built to win now. While the team loses quarterbacks JJ Lewis and Kane Lafortune, running back Connor Mathews and defensive leaders Jon Bocchino and Maddox Hayles to name a few, linemen Jakobe Green, NuNu Krider and Memphis Mays, receiver Robert Stith, linebackers Harper Campbell and Owen Atkins return as the transfer portal promises to reveal a couple of additions.
The program also has a storied track record, coming a yard short of a 5A state title appearance last year and making a Final Four appearance in 2020 as well. Under Thompson, the Eagles went 64-10 over a six-season run.
As if it needs to be said or written, his replacement will have big shoes to fill.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Niceville football begins process of finding Thompson's successor
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