By By Tim Cottrell
Just a few short weeks after completing its second search for a head football coach, Escambia County High School is left to look for another new coach, only this time with a different ball.
ECHS basketball head coach William Brown resigned earlier this week after one season on the Blue Devil bench to take a position at St. Jude Catholic School in Montgomery. His team posted a 16-12 record on the year and finished second in the regular season in their area.
Brown said that he was grateful for the time he had in Atmore.
"I enjoyed my stay here," Brown said. "I think we did some good things for the kids and some good things for the community. There are no hard feelings."
In addition to announcing his departure, Brown also wished to endorse an assistant for his vacant position.
"I think the best thing would be to hire coach (Jonathan) Townsend," Brown said. "The kids seem to really like him and he'd do a great job."
Despite Brown's endorsement, head football coach and athletic director Kyle Davis said the school would interview candidates for the position.
"The basketball job has been posted (for advertisement)," Davis said. "We want to take a serious look at all applicants and hire the best possible candidate. We need someone who can coach and teach, and teaching is the most important. Coaching is an extracurricular activity. We want to be sure we hire the best teacher and coach available."
Acting ECHS Principal Kyle Ferguson echoed Davis' sentiments.
"The position will be advertised and we'll interview all qualified candidates," Ferguson said.
Brown felt he had gotten ECHS back on the right track.
"We're building a program," Brown said. "We had our only two seniors sign scholarships this year. All part of building a program."
When told of Brown's endorsement of Townsend, Ferguson said the board would make the choice for the new head coach.
"We do appreciate his input," Ferguson said.