By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

The process to find a new head football coach and athletic director has just begun, and it will likely span the state, Eanes superintendent Nola Wellman said Friday.

According to Wellman, the search to replace Derek Long will “move as quickly as possible,” but it won’t be rushed at the expense of finding the most-qualified candidate.

“We all want what’s best for the football program and the school district,” Wellman said. “The urgency is to find a coach this spring, so he can assess the players and the dynamics of the team.”

According to Wellman, the district will utilize a search committee that includes representatives from the community and the Eanes administration. That committee will select approximately six or seven candidates before bringing recommendations for three candidates to Wellman. Wellman will then present her choice to the Eanes school board for approval.

Although Long will not serve on the search committee, Wellman said she will consult the longtime coach throughout the process.

“I respect Derek tremendously, and I plan on using him as a confidante,” Wellman said.

A new coach, who will also likely assume athletic director duties, will be hired in March at the earliest and May at the latest, Wellman said. 

Current assistant Steve Ramsey, who served as the assistant head coach this past season, appears to be the leading in-house candidate, according to officials at Westlake High School.