The Granite School District is taking applicants for the now-vacant Cottonwood football head coaching job, trying to fill the spot after Josh Lyman's resignation last week.
The opening was posted on the school district website on May 31, and closes on Friday, June 8. The school is on a tight timeline, as football practices have already begun, principal Mitch Nerdin said.
"We've got a big year ahead of us: We've got the best recruits in the state and we need to get somebody that has instant credibility with our kids," Nerdin said. "Hopefully we'll be interviewing early next week then make the decision. But we don't want to fast-track it to the point that we make a bad choice."
The program boasts several high-level recruits, highlighted by Alabama-committed quarterback Cooper Bateman. However, the Colts are also looking for stability after Lyman's tumultous departure.
Lyman resigned following the accusation that he had innappropriate contact with a Cottonwood student, an allegation he has consistently denied through his attorney. He was not criminally charged, and the school district investigation was suspended after his resignation.
The school is still recovering from the very public circumstance's of Lyman's departure, and a lot of community members have chimed in about what they'd like to see in the next head coach.
"Lots of folks have said they want us to pick somebody that is understanding of our community and our demographics," Nerdin said. "We also want someone who is primarily focused on academics as well as football."
The position's requirements include prior high school experience, and the school has not yet determined the teaching position that will come with the job.
Cottonwood assistant coaches are currently running practices during the hiring process. Nerdin said the new coach would not necessarily be expected to keep the existing staff.
— Kyle Goon
Twitter: @kylegoon
