The hiring of a new athletic director and head football coach at Escambia County High School is drawing closer and closer with the search committee led by ECHS Principal Zickeyous Byrd choosing a candidate to present to the board at its next meeting.

Lev Holly, the defensive coordinator for the Class 4A defending champion Jackson Aggies, was announced, as the candidate chosen through the process.

The choice of Holly came from his stance on athletics and academics.

“Coach Holly was chosen for this position not only for the athletic program, but his academic vision for the players, ECHS Principal Zickeyous Byrd said. “His vision aligns with the school’s vision of having student athletics. That means academics first. He has a plan to ensure discipline, academics and of course, a state championship.”

Holly and the other finalist for the position made it through the first round of interviews, which were held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in front of a five-person committee made up of members of the Atmore community.

The next step in the process included an interview between each candidate and Escambia County Superintendent Randall Little on Friday.

With the applicant pool dwindled down to the final two, Byrd said he was pleased with the coaches that applied for the position.

“I think we have interviewed outstanding coaches,” he said. “I was honored to speak with each of them; I think it was an enjoyable process and I feel great about it.”

As the search nears an end, the question stands to be whether the new athletic director and leader of the Blue Devils’ football team will boost the stance of the programs.

With Holly selected, the school’s athletic programs will be in solid hands, Byrd said.

“I think the athletic programs will move to the next level with either one of our candidates,” he said. “I think there are champions in the future for our student-athletics.