Garrard County is once again searching for a new coach after 2000 graduate Brandon Cooper stepped down after one season to take an assistant coaching position at Pulaski County. Cooper had a 12-18 record in his first season. Garrard returns all but two players from last season's squad and will be buffered by a strong incoming freshman class that won the 8th grade conference championship over the likes of Boyle, Lincoln, Danville, Mercer, and Casey.

 

While it is upsetting that Coach Cooper left after one season, there are several factors beyond just basketball that pulled him away. His wife was without a job at Garrard and Pulaski was able to provide her with one. His two sons were students at Southwestern before coming to Garrard and I wonder if they wanted to return "home." And finally, Coach Cooper had lived in Somerset for close to a decade - meaning it was probably more "home" than Lancaster. No matter the reason, I wish Brandon nothing but the best.

 

As for the new coach, I suspect several names will pop up. Look for current and former head coaches, as well some current assistant coaches to be interested. Garrard has become something of a stepping stone of late with one head coaching hire leaving to become a college assistant, another moving on to a better high school program as lead assistant, and a third moving home to a bigger high school where he won the region in his first season. None of those coaches can be faulted for doing what was best for their career. And Garrard's administration can't be faulted, either; in truth they've hired coaches whose success made moving an option. Hopefully this next hire will be one that is good for the kids and good for the program, and will stick around for a little while.

 

Prep Basketball: Garrard County looking for another boys basketball coach after resignation of alum Brandon Cooper - centralkynews.com

I was thinking that rumor had legs when I asked you about it on Facebook or twitter and got no answer. Whatever coach takes this job has a good chance to win district(at the very least) within the next 4 years. Some really good young talent with this incoming freshman class. Good luck going forward.

PP, sorry about not getting back to you quicker. When you sent me that message, I checked into it and found out he was leaving. I meant to get back to you and it actually slipped my mind completely until I saw this in the paper today.

My biggest fear is that some of the good talent Garrard has will get a little jaded from all the turnover and focus solely on a certain sport. That group of incoming freshmen includes several football players who might drift away from basketball. It is my hope that they will continue to play both sports, but I can see how the stability and success of the football program might make some want to shy away from the basketball program. This will be an important hire for the administration.

PP, sorry about not getting back to you quicker. When you sent me that message, I checked into it and found out he was leaving. I meant to get back to you and it actually slipped my mind completely until I saw this in the paper today.

 

It's all good. I figured you were gathering info or something. I had forgotten also until I saw this thread.

 

Anybody on your wish list?

Any names on who is interested? Does it have to be a specific teaching position?

Any names on who is interested? Does it have to be a specific teaching position?

 

Not sure about the teaching position. I know there is a P.E. position available at one of the elementary schools. Coach Cooper taught special education at the high school so that will be available. So they shouldn't have too much trouble finding a spot to work in.

Not sure about the teaching position. I know there is a P.E. position available at one of the elementary schools. Coach Cooper taught special education at the high school so that will be available. So they shouldn't have too much trouble finding a spot to work in.

 

Thanks for the info and keep us updated. Good luck in your search for a new coach!!!

I suspect a new coach will be named within the next couple weeks. I know they want one in place by the end of the dead period (July 9). From conversations I've had, they are well on their way.

Do they already have someone in mind?

Do they already have someone in mind?

 

Not sure about that. I know they are formulating a list.

Not sure about that. I know they are formulating a list.

 

Do you think they would go after any coaches in the 12th?

Do you think they would go after any coaches in the 12th?

 

I was wondering the same thing.

Do you think they would go after any coaches in the 12th?

 

I don't think so. There are a lot of entrenched coaches in the 12th region. Obviously Jackson, Adams, Zaheri, Britt, the Jessamine guys, Wright, Woods - none of them are going anywhere. I know Don Irvine, formerly of Burgin, was interested in the job two years ago, but I highly doubt you'll see his name come up this time.

I don't think so. There are a lot of entrenched coaches in the 12th region. Obviously Jackson, Adams, Zaheri, Britt, the Jessamine guys, Wright, Woods - none of them are going anywhere. I know Don Irvine, formerly of Burgin, was interested in the job two years ago, but I highly doubt you'll see his name come up this time.

 

Any updates on possible candidates for this job?