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."
Softball: Niceville heads into spring break 6-2 behind its ace, Bailey
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
-
DeAndre Hopkins finds new home with Ravens, but is there any real fantasy football impact?
Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon breaks down the Ravens' signing of the veteran receiver.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Can Justin Fields find success with the Jets? | Football 301
The Jets offer Fields a chance to prove himself.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Niceville softball heads into spring break 6-2 behind its ace, Bailey
Thursday's showdown between Niceville's Chloe Bailey and FWB's Alyx Hall was the stuff of legends Thursday night. Ultimately the Eagles and their ace prevailed.Yahoo Sports - 16h -
Sources: Rockets' Thompson (ankle) out 2 weeks
Rockets emerging two-way force Amen Thompson will be sidelined for 10 to 14 days because of a left ankle sprain, sources told ESPN.ESPN - 4d -
Breakout Rockets F Amen Thompson reportedly sidelined for up to 2 weeks with left ankle sprain
Thompson injured his ankle late in Saturday's win over the Pelicans.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Tariff timeline: How Trump turned global trade into an economic battlefield
Trump has praised tariffs as a fix for economic issues, but their erratic rollout and shifting reasons have worried investors. See a timeline of the president’s trade rhetoric.NBC News - 6h -
What to know about deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife as authorities release causes
Authorities revealed new information on Friday about the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Hackman died of heart disease, officials said, and Arakawa was killed by ...CBS News - 4d -
Dalai Lama says his successor to be born outside China
The Dalai Lama’s successor will be born outside China, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism says in a new book, raising the stakes in a dispute with Beijing over control of the Himalayan region ...NBC News - 3d -
Dalai Lama says his successor will be born outside China in the ‘free world’
New book by spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism will raise the stakes in a dispute with Beijing over control of Tibet. The Dalai Lama’s successor will be born outside China, the spiritual leader ...The Guardian - 3d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
The Players Championship third round tee times, how to watch: Akshay Bhatia, Min Woo Lee share lead at TPC Sawgrass
Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee hold a one-shot lead entering moving day in Florida.Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Fantasy Fallout: Cooper Kupp signs with the Seattle Seahawks
Cooper Kupp is looking to revive his career in Seattle, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba's dominance from the slot could be an issue for the veteran receiver.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
2025 Players Championship Saturday third round tee times, how to watch
Here's what you need to know about the TV and streaming information as well as the tee times for the third round of the Players. All times ET.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC Kansas City main event
Former title challengers Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree will throw down in a pivotal light heavyweight clash. Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree preview Former champion Hill (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) ...Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC Kansas City main event
Former title challengers Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree will throw down in a pivotal light heavyweight clash. Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree preview Former champion Hill (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) ...Yahoo Sports - 14m
More in Sports
-
Team-by-team preview: Can Orlando Pride repeat as champions?
With the National Women's Soccer League returning to action this weekend, we take a look at where the 14 clubs stands and how close each is to winning the NWSL championship.ESPN - 9m -
The Players Championship third round tee times, how to watch: Akshay Bhatia, Min Woo Lee share lead at TPC Sawgrass
Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee hold a one-shot lead entering moving day in Florida.Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Fantasy Fallout: Cooper Kupp signs with the Seattle Seahawks
Cooper Kupp is looking to revive his career in Seattle, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba's dominance from the slot could be an issue for the veteran receiver.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Why Geovany Quenda can be Chelsea's answer to Saka
Chelsea look set to land the Sporting CP teen in 2026 and Quenda's style has been compared to an Arsenal star.ESPN - 13m -
Transfer rumors, news: Newcastle eye Kolo Muani as replacement for Isak
Newcastle are interested in Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani, but could face competition from other Premier League clubs. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.ESPN - 13m