The search for a new head football coach at Escambia County High School is in full swing.

Principal Dennis Fuqua said Monday that the school received 64 applications for the vacant position.

“We will hire by committee,” Fuqua said. “The committee will meet and narrow these applications down.”

Fuqua said the committee will meet and vet the applications down to a top 10. He said he’ll start reaching out to those candidates for interviews this week.

Last month, former head football coach Royce Young resigned from his position after going three years at the helm. His record in three seasons was 4-26.

Fuqua said he’s looking for that right person to be the coach.

“I want to look for an individual who is going to be a motivator,” he said. “Someone who is going to lead by example, who is very community-oriented a winner.”

Fuqua said he has received applications from as far as Ohio and South Florida, and from some within the school system.

He said his goal is to have a coach in place by the first of March.

“We look forward to getting the process started,” Fuqua said. “I feel like the committee with have Atmore’s best interest at heart.”