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The winningest program in Utah state history already had its 17th head coach. Davis just needed to announce it.

Tyler Gladwell was officially stripped of his interim status and hired as the next coach of the Darts, The Salt Lake Tribune confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

"It is relieving," Gladwell said. "Throughout the year, being the interim coach, it was something that I hoped would happen when the season was over. Now that it's happened, I'm very excited about it."

Gladwell guided the Darts to a second-place finish in Region 1 with an overall record of 7-3 before losing in the first round against Jordan.

"I wanted to make sure our seniors last year had a good experience," Gladwell said. "I didn't make it about the interim coaching job, I wanted to make it about our team. I felt that we did that. As a program, I felt we had a really good year, and our seniors went out on a good note."

Gladwell spent seven years coaching under former Davis coach Ryan Bishop, including four seasons as the defensive coordinator, before accepting the top position at his alma mater, Bonneville, in 2012. After posting an overall 3-7 record with the Lakers, he returned to Davis in 2013 as the offensive coordinator.

He was named the interim coach in 2014 after Bishop accepted a position with the Utah High School Activities Association.

"Davis is where I wanted to be. It's a great place. It's a great school," Gladwell said. "There was an opportunity for me to come back, and I felt, talking with my wife, it was the best thing for my family and my career. I'm really glad I did it."

Gladwell highlighted seniors-to-be Connor Taylor (105 tackles, one sack and two interceptions) and Griffin Hill (31 receptions for 481 yards and seven touchdowns) as the top returning contributors. Davis has exited the playoffs in the first round two consecutive seasons.

"Those are the two kids we're expecting to be big leaders for us next year and make plays on the football field," Gladwell said.

In addition to football, Gladwell teaches health and physical education. The Darts will run the spread-option offensively while operating out of base 4-3 scheme on the opposite side.

-Trevor Phibbs

Twitter: @trevorphibbs