Does it seem like there’s been a lot more late openings this year than normal? Ideally, a job would open soon after the season, you could get your new guy in by January/February. Be able to get spring ball in, your systems started with install, and be able to have a head of steam going into year one. 

Taking a job this late almost feels like year 1 is a wash. You’ve missed spring ball. You have about a month before dead period, then about a month and a half till your first game. 

I agree 100% I understand things happen but to leave a school this late almost seems unfair.

Was talking about this in the Interim thread....

I was an assistant at Paris HS, 1988-1991. May 27, 1992, our head coach, Roger Gruneisen, took the HFC job at Bourbon County. Our Principal, Homer Goins, loved Paris HS and he was really angry that we lost Roger.

Angrily, with steam coming out of his ears, he asked me if I would be the head coach. I said yes. I could not pass up the opportunity to be the head football coach at Paris HS. But, it was NOT a happy day. I can still see him sitting at his desk in his office. I was standing in the door. Not sure I ever saw him angrier than he was in that moment. 

Fortunately, we had a really good sophomore and junior class. We were pretty good in 1992 and got better the next two years. 

I hate these late openings also. But, they also can lead to opportunity. 

Also...football is driven by assistant coaches. Those guys are critical. Late openings, looking internal is a good first option. Any time you can send the message that you will promote from within, your assistant coach positions become more attractive. 

Before I took the job at Anderson, I had this conversation with my new Superintendent.  I don't plan on leaving any time soon, but if the guys on staff know they will have a legitimate shot at replacing me, it really helps me find good assistant coaches, and that is tough to do these days.